Can't hold a candle to
/kɑːnt həʊld ə ˈkændl tə/informalUK · US
What does “Can't hold a candle to” mean?
Can't hold a candle to means to be nowhere near as good as someone or something
A new recording may be enjoyable but still not hold a candle to the original. You are saying the difference in quality is large.
It can sound dismissive when comparing people. “I can’t hold a candle to her” is a way to praise someone while playing down your own ability.
When do people say it?
Use it for a strong comparison of quality or ability. The person or thing named after “to” is the better one.
“I can cook, but I can't hold a candle to my sister.”
Is it formal or informal?
Register: informal. It is most at home in everyday conversation rather than formal writing. Most common in UK and US.
Where does it come from?
The candle image belongs to an old expression of comparison. In current use, the phrase says that one person or thing falls far below another.
Origin confidence: Disputed; treat with caution
How do you say “Can't hold a candle to” in other languages?
Last updated 2026-10-01