hold a candle

listen to the pronunciation of hold a candle
English - Turkish
English - English
To compare; to be even remotely of the same quality, skill, etc. as another

The old computer just doesn't hold a candle to the latest models.

hold a candle to
(deyim) Be fit to be compared with; be in the same class with
hold a candle to
(deyim) Meaning: To hold a candle for means to aid or assist. The expression 'he can't hold a candle to' expresses the opinion that someone (he) compares poorly with another person and isn't competent or worthy even to hold the light for him. Origin: Apprentices used to be expected to hold the candle so that more experienced workmen were able to see what they were doing
hold a candle to
be equal to, be comparable to; hold one's own against, do as well as
hold the candle
assist, serve
hold a candle

    Hyphenation

    hold a can·dle

    Turkish pronunciation

    hōld ı kändıl

    Pronunciation

    /ˈhōld ə ˈkandəl/ /ˈhoʊld ə ˈkændəl/

    Etymology

    () * Probably from the custom of apprentices to a trade holding a candle so the master worker could see clearly. If a person was not even good enough for such a simple task, then they were worthless.
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