The words can’t hold a candle to are often used in comparison with something else. For example, “I can’t hold a candle to her when it comes to singing” means that you can’t sing as well as the person mentioned. The expression is not only used for comparisons, but also for compliments such as “She was more beautiful than anything I could ever imagine.” This blog post will explore different ways of saying this phrase and provide some alternatives which may be helpful if your text appears too repetitive or feels bland.
To say one thing ‘can’t hold a candle to’ another is to believe that it is inferior. For example, if you are asked which food tastes better pizza or lasagna you might respond that pizza “can’t hold a candle” to lasagna because of the latter’s richer flavor. The phrase can also be applied figuratively: for instance, a person who cannot compare with their peers in terms of intelligence, creativity, or determination may be said to “can’t hold a candle”to them. This post will explore some substitutes for the expression so as not to offend those who do not like comparisons between things and people.
The phrase “can’t hold a candle” is typically used as an insult when comparing two things side by side and implying that one of the things is superior to the other. However, this can be offensive for some people because it compares two entities as if they were on a level playing field when in reality one of them may not necessarily deserve such treatment.
The phrase “can’t hold a candle” also has different meanings depending on how it’s used:
Literal meaning. A candle can’t hold up to the flame of another candle or a fire so it’s not as bright, which is why people say “can’t hold a candle” when comparing two things side by side and implying that one of them may be superior
Figurative meaning. Someone who can’t live life fully can be described as having “can’t hold a candle”to someone else because they lack enthusiasm for life compared to others.
This post will explore some substitutes for the expression in order to avoid offense without losing accuracy:
You are brighter than… (a…) You surpass what I thought you were capable of; your intellectual/creative achievements exceed my expectations
“You outshine other…”
“You can’t hold a candle to” When comparing two things side by side and implying that one of them may be superior, but you’re not sure which
“I don’t know how you do it; I can’t keep up with your pace. You are faster than my own.”
“It’s no match for what you have accomplished,” or “Your achievements cannot compare to those in the field.”
Also see these examples:
Can’t Hold A Candle To The Sun (The Louvre) | Literal Meaning: You can’t compare someone else’s work/artwork/accomplishments to Leonardo da Vinci because his contributions were so significant that they will always stand out as the best.
“You can’t hold a candle to” – When comparing two things side by side and implying that one of them may be superior, but you’re not sure which
“I don’t know how you do it; I can’t keep up with your pace. You are faster than my own.”
“It’s no match for what you have accomplished,” or “Your achievements cannot compare to those in the field.”
Also see these examples: Can’t Hold A Candle To The Sun (The Louvre) | Literal Meaning: You can’t compare someone else’s work/artwork/accomplishments to Leonardo da Vinci because his contributions were so significant that they will always stand out as the best.
Alternatives: can’t hold a candle to
“It’s no match for what you have accomplished,” or “Your achievements cannot compare to those in the field.”
“You can’t measure up” – When comparing two things side by side with one of them being superior, but not sure which; implying that something is just too high an achievement and it will be difficult for someone else achieve such height. Also see these examples: Can t Measure Up To Uma Thurman | Literal Meaning: You can t compare someone else s work/artwork/accomplishments to Leonardo da Vinci because his contributions were so significant that they will always stand out as the best .
