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by Tel UK- Licensed to fish! on August 27th, 2009
Meaning
To compare badly to a known person - to be unfit even to hold a subordinate position.
Origin
Apprentices used to be expected to hold the candle so that more experienced workmen were able to see what they were doing. Someone unable even to do that would be of low status indeed.
"Jim is good at his work ,but he doesnt hold a candle to Fred".
"Nicola is a beautiful girl ,but doesn't hold a candle to Sara"
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