Can't hold a candle to one In english explanation

The meaning, explanation, definition and origin of the idiom/phrase "can't hold a candle to one", English Idiom Dictionary ( also found in Vietnamese )

author Zesty Y calendar 2021-05-12 05:05

Meaning of Can't hold a candle to one

Synonyms:

can't fit to hold the candle to

Can't hold a candle to one phrase

 Cannot be as good as another person or thing 

The Batman season 2 is good, but it can't hold a candle to the first season.

When it comes to cooking, Linda can't hold a candle to Lisa.

This table can't hold a candle to my family heirloom.

Other phrases about:

crumb bum

1.Someone viewed with contempt

2. Very bad

underdog

A person or group that is weaker, or has less power, money, etc than the rest.

be a shadow/ghost of your former self

To not be as healthy, strong etc as one formerly was

poor relation

A person or thing seen as inferior or subservient to others of the same kind or group.

subordinate to (someone or something)

1. Controlled or ruled over by someone or something else.

2.  Less importance, power or authority than someone else.

3. To make someone, something, or oneself subservient to someone or something else.

4. To make someone, something, or oneself less important, inferior, or secondary to someone or something else.

 

Origin of Can't hold a candle to one

The term dates back to the 1600s, when a unskillful apprentice could only be capable of holding a candle to provide light for the master to work. Ones who couldn't even hold a candle for his master were completely useless. Sir Edward Dering's The fower cardinal-vertues of a Carmelite fryar, published in 1641, contains the earliest known citation for this term: "Though I be not worthy to hold the candle to Aristotle."

The Origin Cited: Grammarist .
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TODAY
as it happens/happened
Coincidentally, suprisingly; as a matter of fact
Example: I went to my grandma's house to look for my cat. As it happened, the cat was in my grandma's care. 
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