holding a candle
Measuring up to
Holding a candle appears almost exclusively in the negative: someone or something can't hold a candle to another, meaning they don't come close in quality or ability.
The phrase evokes an assistant whose only job was to hold a light for a skilled worker—not even worthy of that humble role.
Her cooking can't hold a candle to my grandmother's.
- waxPliable waterproof substance
- equalIdentical in amount
- rivalOne who competes against
- surpassExceed in achievement
- taperNarrow gradually toward point
not worthy · outshine · match · accompany · overshadow · compete · pale in comparison · glow · votive · excel · flame · wick · unworthy · emulate · snuff · radiance · beacon · light the way
holding a candlesurpassing
Going beyond in quality
outshining · eclipsing · outclassing · exceeding · towering over
holding a candledominating
Exercising supreme control
trouncing · crushing · outperforming · standing alone · triumphing
hold, holding, holds, holder, holders, beholden, behold, beheld, candle