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.
See also:
  • 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)