holds a candle
Rivals in quality
To hold a candle to someone is to compare favorably with them—almost always in the negative: She can't hold a candle to her predecessor.
The phrase suggests being worthy to stand beside someone, even in a lesser role.
It implies such a gap in ability or quality that comparison itself seems absurd.
- compareAssess relative likeness
- unworthyNot meriting something
- second bestRanked just below top
- matchGame between opponents
- rivalOne who competes against
measure up · measure up to · inferior · not worthy · pale · pale in comparison · outshine · second-rate
comparative worth/merit
holds a candleoutshines
Exceeds in brilliance
eclipses · surpasses · puts to shame · blows out of the water · outclasses
hold, holds, holding, holder, holders, holdings, behold, beholden, beholder