- Meaning
- This idiom describes someone or something that cannot compare favorably to another, as if unworthy to hold a candle for illumination in their presence. It conveys inferiority or unmatched excellence, often used in personal, professional, or competitive contexts to highlight disparity. The phrase carries a tone of admiration, humility, or dismissal, reflecting cultural values of merit and the human tendency to compare. Its imagery of candle-holding evokes a humble servant’s role, resonating in scenarios like talent or quality comparisons. The idiom emphasizes relative worth, making it a poetic metaphor for unmatched superiority.
- Origin
- The phrase originated in 16th-century England, tied to apprentices holding candles for masters, a menial task implying lesser skill, as noted in William Shakespeare’s *The Merchant of Venice* (1596). Its negative use (‘not hold a candle to’) emerged in the 17th century, with Samuel Pepys’ diary (1660s) using it for comparisons. The idiom gained traction in 19th-century literature, notably in Jane Austen’s *Emma* (1815). Its spread was amplified by education and media, especially in British and American reviews. Its adoption across English-speaking cultures stems from its vivid imagery and applicability to hierarchies.
- Variants
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- Not hold a candle to
- Can’t hold a candle to
- Hold no candle to
- Examples
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- That new restaurant can’t hold a candle to the old diner’s charm.
- Not hold a candle to her, he admitted his skills were inferior.
- This phone holds no candle to the latest model’s features.
- She doesn’t hold a candle to her mentor’s expertise.
- Can’t hold a candle to the original, this remake falls flat.
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