hold a candle for

Verb CEFR C2

Definitions

To feel romantic attraction for.

Examples

“Despite Dawson now having the starring role, she still held a candle for her celebrity crush ⟳.”

“Now, I hold ⟳ no candle for the train ⟳ operators, and I think ⟳ that in the main they have ⟳ been far too craven about any government proposals. But in this instance, they have ⟳ been badly traduced, led up the hill, and then chucked back down it.”

CEFR level

C2

Mastery
This word is part of the CEFR C2 vocabulary — mastery level.

See all C2 English words →

See also

hold a grudge hold a light hold a mirror to hold a mirror up to hold against hold all the aces

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