Meaning of hold a candle | Babel Free

Definitions

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

Equivalents

Examples

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

“But not a soul in Flychett could hold⟳ a candle to Yeobright.”

“Old or young, I felt sure she could never at any time have⟳ holden a candle to that admirable lady, Alice Claiborne, now in some despite for her sake.”

“"I know⟳, dear, it is I," his thin wife answered with a meek smile⟳. "I was beautiful, there was no doubt⟳ about it, when you married me." "You were, my dear," agreed her husband: "As a girl few could hold⟳ a candle to you."”

““[…]Speaking of pretty girls, my sister, Eileen, is a pretty girl. She is a downright beautiful girl.” “Yes,” said Donald, “she is, but she can’t hold⟳ a candle to you. How did she look⟳ when she was your age?””

“Thirty miles north of CosMc’s, the McDonald’s No 1 Store Museum once stood, a replica of the company’s stunning post-war sci fi Googie architecture that CosMc’s’ retro-details barely hold⟳ a candle to.”

CEFR level