English Explanatory Dictionary

hold a candle

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. To compare; to be even remotely of the same quality, skill, etc. as another.

Pronunciation

hōld′ ə kăn′dəl /ˌhəʊ̯ld ə ˈkan.dəl/ /ˌhəʊ̯ld ə ˈkæn.dəl/ /ˌhoʊ̯ld ə ˈkæn.dəl/ /ˌhəʉ̯ld ə ˈkæn.dəl/ en-au-hold a candle.ogg /ˌhɐʉ̯ld ə ˈkɛn.dəl/ /ˌhold ə ˈkan.dəl/ /ˌhoːlɖ a ˈkan.ɖel/

Word forms

hold a candle holds a candle holding a candle held a candle

Etymology

From the custom of apprentices to a master holding a candle so that the master could see more clearly. The negative version implies that a person who was not fit even for such a simple task was worthless.

Related words

hold a candle for
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