hold a candle to
hold a candle to (someone or something)
To compare to someone or something; to be as good or desirable as someone or something. Often used in the negative to mean the opposite. I'm really surprised that the sequel even holds a candle to the original. John's fast all right, but he can't hold a candle to Louise!
See also: candle, hold
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
hold a candle to
To compare favorably with: This film doesn't hold a candle to his previous ones.
See also: candle, hold
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
- be/have done with somebody/something
- bird has flown, the
- be in line with (someone or something)
- better of
- (someone or something) promises well
- begin with
- begin with (someone or something)
- bear off from (someone or something)
- beware of
- beware of (someone or something)