hold a candle

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

The old computer just doesnt hold a candle to the latest models.


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  • hold\ a\ candle\ to — • hold a candle to • hold a stick to v. phr. To be fit to be compared with; be in the same class with. a trite phrase used in negative, interrogative, and conditional sentences. Henry thought that no modern ball club could hold a candle to those… …   Словарь американских идиом

  • hold a candle to — phrasal : to qualify for comparison with asserted that no wrestler could hold a candle to the current champion * * * hold a candle to : to be on the same level as or as good as (something or someone) used in negative statements The new movie… …   Useful english dictionary

  • hold a candle — 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… …   Meaning and origin of phrases

  • hold a candle to — also[hold a stick to] {v. phr.} To be fit to be compared with; be in the same class with. A trite phrase used in negative, interrogative, and conditional sentences. * /Henry thought that no modern ball club could hold a candle to those of 50… …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • hold a candle to — also[hold a stick to] {v. phr.} To be fit to be compared with; be in the same class with. A trite phrase used in negative, interrogative, and conditional sentences. * /Henry thought that no modern ball club could hold a candle to those of 50… …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • hold a candle — do as well, compare with, measure up    The Buick is nice, but it can t hold a candle to the Cadillac …   English idioms

  • hold a candle to — be in the same class or level with (used with a negative usually), can be compared with As far as good service goes that restaurant can t hold a candle to the one that I usually go to …   Idioms and examples

  • hold a candle to — be equal to, be comparable to; hold one s own against, do as well as …   English contemporary dictionary

  • hold a candle to — phrasal to qualify for comparison with …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • hold the candle — assist, serve …   English contemporary dictionary

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