can't hold a candle to

Cultural  

1. An expression describing a person or thing that is distinctly inferior to someone or something else: “Senator Nelson is extremely knowledgeable, but as a speaker, he can't hold a candle to Senator Delano.”

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Example Sentences

My pathological liar character can’t hold a candle to you!

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 24, 2023

A governor's seat can't hold a candle to that.

From Salon • Dec. 7, 2022

“It’s another level of value,” Challenger says. The holiday bonus or “attaboy” email you get from your boss can’t hold a candle to the sense of purpose fire fighters get from saving people’s lives.

From Time • Dec. 14, 2012

IPO Pop Isn't in Facebook's Script IPO Pop Isn't in Facebook's Script Newspapers can't hold a candle to Facebook Inc. when it comes to collecting information about their users.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 17, 2012

You know as well 270as I do that Gerald Fane, take him just as a man, can’t hold a candle to Doctor Tom.”

From Aurora the Magnificent by Brownell, Gertrude Hall