can't hold a candle to

can't hold a candle to someone

Fig. not [to be] equal to someone; unable to measure up to someone. (Also with cannot.) Mary can't hold a candle to Ann when it comes to athletics. As for singing, John can't hold a candle to Jane.

somebody/something can't hold a candle to somebody/something else

also somebody/something doesn't hold a candle to somebody/something else

someone or something is not as good as someone or something else For Walter, basketball and football can't hold a candle to baseball.

Usage notes: sometimes used in the form something can hold a candle to something else: Not one of her drawings can hold a candle to yours.

can't hold a candle to somebody/something

if someone or something cannot hold a candle to someone or something else, they are not as good as that other person or thing These pop bands that you hear nowadays can't hold a candle to the groups we used to listen to in the sixties.

Common Names:

Name	Pronounced	Usage
Elvira	[el'vaiərə]
Voss	[vɔs]
Deemer	DEE-mər	English (Rare)
Bidelia	-	Irish
Euria	-	Basque
Adye	['eidi]