English

Verb

hold a candle ‎(third-person singular simple present holds a candle, present participle holding a candle, simple past and past participle held a candle)

1. (idiomatic) To compare; to be even remotely of the same quality, skill, etc. as another.

   The old computer just doesn't hold a candle to the latest models.

Usage notes

• Typically used in the negative when something does not compare, as in the example.

Translations