How Do You Spell HOLD A CANDLE TO?

Pronunciation: [hˈə͡ʊld ɐ kˈandə͡l tuː] (IPA)

The phrase "hold a candle to" means to compare something to another object or idea and it falls short in terms of quality. The spelling of this phrase is straightforward, with the accent on the first syllable of "candle." The word "candle" includes two vowel sounds, the first being a long /æ/ (as in "cat"), and the second a short /ə/ (as in "a" or "uh"). The phrase "hold a candle to" originates from an old practice when an apprentice held a candle for the master to see their work, thus showing a contrast in skill level.

HOLD A CANDLE TO Meaning and Definition

1. The phrase "hold a candle to" is an idiomatic expression that is often used in a comparative context to convey the idea of inferiority. When someone or something cannot "hold a candle to" another person or thing, it means they are not even close in terms of their abilities, qualities, or achievements.

   Originating from a time when candles were used as a primary light source, this expression refers to the task of holding a candle to provide light to a person performing a specific task. In this sense, the phrase suggests a subordinate or supporting role. However, over time, it has evolved to convey a comparison in competence or proficiency.

   The phrase is generally used to highlight a stark contrast between two people or things, emphasizing the superiority of one over the other. It implies that one person or thing is not worthy of being compared to the other due to the huge discrepancy in their abilities or qualities.

   For example, if someone says, "John's tennis skills cannot hold a candle to Roger Federer's," they are indicating that John's abilities on the tennis court are far inferior to those of the widely regarded professional athlete, Federer.

   In summary, "hold a candle to" is an idiomatic expression that signifies a significant difference in ability or quality between two people or things, with the former being considerably inferior to the latter.

Common Misspellings for HOLD A CANDLE TO

• held a ccndle to
• gold a candle to
• bold a candle to
• nold a candle to
• jold a candle to
• uold a candle to
• yold a candle to
• hild a candle to
• hkld a candle to
• hlld a candle to
• hpld a candle to
• h0ld a candle to
• h9ld a candle to
• hokd a candle to
• hopd a candle to
• hood a candle to
• hols a candle to
• holx a candle to
• holc a candle to
• holf a candle to

Idioms with the word HOLD A CANDLE TO

• not hold a candle to The idiom "not hold a candle to" means to not be comparable to someone or something in terms of ability, quality, or expertise. It implies that the person or thing being compared is significantly superior or more accomplished.
• can't hold a candle to sb/sth The idiom "can't hold a candle to sb/sth" means that someone or something is not nearly as good, skilled, or successful as another person or thing. It implies that the comparison is highly unfavorable towards the person or thing being referred to.
• can't hold a candle to The idiom "can't hold a candle to" is used to indicate that someone or something is not nearly as good, skilled, or impressive as another person or thing. It implies that the one being compared cannot even compare in terms of capability or quality.
• cannot hold a candle to somebody/something The idiom "cannot hold a candle to somebody/something" means that someone or something is far inferior or not even comparable to another person or thing in terms of skill, quality, or ability. It implies that the person or thing being compared is significantly better or more accomplished.
• cannot hold a candle to The idiom "cannot hold a candle to" is used to compare two things or people and emphasize that one is far inferior or incapable in comparison to the other. It implies that the person or thing being compared is so lacking in skill, talent, or quality that they are not even worthy to assist or be compared to the other person or thing.
• can't hold a candle to (someone or something) The idiom "can't hold a candle to (someone or something)" means that a person or thing is not as skilled, competent, or impressive as another person or thing in a particular area. It implies that the comparison is so one-sided that the inferior person or thing is not even worthy of being compared.
• can't hold a candle to someone/something The idiom "can't hold a candle to someone/something" means to be significantly inferior or unable to measure up to someone or something else. It implies that the person or thing being compared is of such high quality, expertise, or ability that the other person or thing is not even worthy of comparison.
• can't hold a candle to sm The idiom "can't hold a candle to someone/something" means that a person or thing is not even close in comparison to another person or thing in terms of skill, ability, quality, or any other desirable attribute. It signifies that the former is significantly inferior or has no chance of matching the latter.
• sb/sth can't hold a candle to sb/sth else The idiom "sb/sth can't hold a candle to sb/sth else" is used to express that someone or something is far inferior or pales in comparison to another person or thing in terms of competence, skill, quality, or ability.
• can't hold a candle to someone The idiom "can't hold a candle to someone" is used to describe a situation where an individual or something else is inferior, less skilled, or incapable of comparing to another person's abilities, achievements, or qualities. It implies that the person or thing being compared is much less impressive or competent in comparison.
• hold a candle to, not To "hold a candle to" someone or something means to be inferior, inadequate, or unworthy in comparison. The phrase is often used to indicate that someone or something does not measure up to a higher standard or cannot compete with a superior counterpart.
• hold a candle to To "hold a candle to" someone or something means to compare favorably or to be of the same high standard. It is often used to express that someone or something is not as good as someone else.

Similar spelling word for HOLD A CANDLE TO

• not hold a candle to.