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 — verb 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 … Wiktionary
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