Can't hold a candle to definitions
| Word backwards | t'nac dloh a eldnac ot |
|---|---|
| Part of speech | The phrase "can't hold a candle to" is an idiomatic expression that means cannot compare to or is not as good as. It is not categorized under a specific part of speech, as it is a fixed expression or colloquialism. |
| Syllabic division | can't hold a candle to: can't/hold/a can/dle/to |
| Plural | The plural of "can't hold a candle to" would be "can't hold a candle to". |
| Total letters | 17 |
| Vogais (3) | a,o,e |
| Consonants (6) | c,n,t,h,l,d |
When someone says "can't hold a candle to," they are usually comparing two things or people, indicating that one is far superior to the other. This phrase is commonly used in English to express the idea that something is not as good as another similar thing.
Origin
The origin of this phrase dates back to the 17th century when candles were used as a primary source of light. In those times, holding a candle to someone meant assisting them by holding a light while they worked. If someone couldn't even hold a candle to another person, it meant that they were not good enough to even assist them.
Usage
Today, "can't hold a candle to" is used figuratively to compare two things in terms of quality, ability, or excellence. For example, if someone is a great singer, and another person is not very good at singing, you could say that the latter can't hold a candle to the former.
Alternative Expressions
There are several similar expressions to "can't hold a candle to," such as "pale in comparison," "not a patch on," or "a far cry from." All of these expressions convey the idea that one thing is much better than another.
Superiority and inferiority are essential elements of the comparison implied in the phrase "can't hold a candle to." It highlights the vast difference in quality or ability between two things.
In conclusion, "can't hold a candle to" is a powerful idiom that illustrates a stark contrast between two things. It emphasizes the vast difference in quality, ability, or excellence, making it clear that one thing is far superior to the other.
Can't hold a candle to Examples
- The new restaurant in town can't hold a candle to my grandma's cooking.
- The rookie player can't hold a candle to the seasoned veterans on the team.
- The new movie can't hold a candle to the classic film it was based on.
- This generic brand can't hold a candle to the high-end version.
- Her singing voice can't hold a candle to the talented performer on stage.
- The imitation product can't hold a candle to the original designer item.
- The substitute teacher can't hold a candle to our regular teacher.
- His artwork can't hold a candle to the masterpiece in the museum.
- This knock-off purse can't hold a candle to the authentic designer bag.
- The cheap knock-off shoes can't hold a candle to the quality of the name-brand sneakers.