can't hold a candle to

USAGE SUMMARY

'can't hold a candle to' is an idiom that is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to say that someone or something is far inferior to someone or something else. For example, "My math skills can't hold a candle to my brother's – he's a genius at it!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

WHEN IT COMES TO SELLING personal computers to the world's fastest-growing PC market, IBM, Hewlett-Packard and Compaq can't hold a candle to Beijing-based Legend Holdings.

Forbes

The Angry Young Men can't hold a candle to him.

The New Yorker

In trying to be both things at once, it can't hold a candle to either forerunner.

The New York Times

Unfortunately, the HS2's DVR functions can't hold a candle to its rivals'.

The New York Times - Tech

In trying to be both at once, "Little Black Book" can't hold a candle to either.

The New York Times

Its plastic shell, with comfortably rounded edges, can't hold a candle to the mirror-finish metal back of the Touch, but of course it doesn't hold fingerprints, either.

The New York Times - Tech

Although the novel's villains can't hold a candle to Nesbo's typical psychos, they're much closer to the ones you might meet in the real world.

The New York Times - Books

But I hate that the real thing — their Legos, the cardboard boxes saved for building forts — can't hold a candle to Minecraft in capturing their interest".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Certainly not the straight-to-elevator music of Mariah Carey, which can't hold a candle in the wind to Judy Garland's rich contralto soaring Harold Arlen's memorable score.

Huffington Post

The many actresses who have resurrected Marilyn Monroe can't hold a candle in the wind to Hollywood's most luminescent, evanescent siren.

The New York Times

For eyebrow-singing, it can't hold a candle (or, rather, a blowtorch) to the ultra-low-budget "Bellflower" (why hasn't its director, Evan Glodell, made another movie yet?).

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the idiom "can't hold a candle to", ensure you're comparing entities with similar characteristics or purposes. For instance, comparing two brands of smartphones is more appropriate than comparing a smartphone to a car.

Common error

Avoid using "can't hold a candle to" when the comparison is illogical or irrelevant. For example, stating "The taste of water can't hold a candle to the feeling of love" is a misuse, as these concepts are not comparable in a meaningful way.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can't hold a candle to" functions as an idiomatic expression used for comparison, specifically to indicate that one thing is significantly inferior to another. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

7%

Social Media

5%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The idiom "can't hold a candle to" is a common and effective way to express that something is significantly inferior to something else. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Predominantly found in neutral registers like news and media, it serves to highlight disparities in quality, skill, or importance. When employing this phrase, ensure the comparison is logical and relevant to avoid misuse. Consider alternatives like "is no match for" or "pales in comparison to" for nuanced expressions of inferiority.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is no match for

Focuses on the lack of competitiveness between two subjects.

pales in comparison to

Highlights the diminished significance of one thing when viewed alongside another.

doesn't measure up to

Emphasizes the failure to meet a certain standard or expectation.

is second-rate compared to

Indicates a lower quality or status relative to another.

is far inferior to

Directly states the lower quality or value of one thing versus another.

cannot compete with

Stresses the inability to rival something in terms of quality or effectiveness.

lacks the qualities of

Points out the missing attributes that make something else superior.

is a poor imitation of

Suggests that something is a substandard copy or representation.

is outshone by

Highlights how one thing is overshadowed or surpassed by another.

is not in the same league as

Implies that something is not at the same level of skill, quality, or importance.

FAQs

How do I use "can't hold a candle to" in a sentence?

Use "can't hold a candle to" to express that something or someone is significantly inferior to another. For example, "His latest book "can't hold a candle to" his previous novels".

What can I say instead of "can't hold a candle to"?

You can use alternatives like "is no match for", "pales in comparison to", or "doesn't measure up to" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "couldn't hold a candle to"?

Yes, "couldn't hold a candle to" is the past tense form of the idiom and is used to indicate that something or someone was significantly inferior in the past.

What's the origin of the idiom "can't hold a candle to"?

The idiom "can't hold a candle to" originates from the time when servants held candles to light the way for their masters. If someone was not even capable of performing this simple task, they were considered incompetent.