hold a candle to, not
can't hold a candle to (someone or something)
Cannot compare to someone or something; is not nearly as good or desirable as someone or something. The sequel wasn't bad, but it can't hold a candle to the original. John's fast all right, but he can't hold a candle to Louise!
See also: candle, hold
not fit to hold a candle to (someone or something)
Cannot compare to someone or something; is not nearly as good or desirable as someone or something. The sequel wasn't bad, but it's not fit to hold a candle to the original. John's fast all right, but he isn’t fit to hold a candle to Louise!
See also: candle, fit, hold, not
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
hold a candle to, not
Also, not fit to or cannot hold a candle to. Be inferior to someone or something, as in This hotel can't hold a candle to the Palace, or This new friend of his is not fit to hold a candle to his former buddies. This expression was already a proverb in John Heywood's collection of 1546 and alludes to holding a candle to provide light for someone, at that time considered a menial chore.
See also: candle, hold, not
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
- be/have done with somebody/something
- be in line with (someone or something)
- better of
- (someone or something) promises well
- bird has flown, the
- begin with
- begin with (someone or something)
- beware of
- beware of (someone or something)
- be rough on (someone or something)