# hold a light

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/hold-a-light
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Synonym of hold a candle.

## Examples

- No other local restaurant can hold a light to this one.
- While the new software is decent, it cannot hold a light to the original version we used for years.
- Although the young pianist showed promise, his technical skill simply could not hold a light to the mastery displayed by the legendary performers of the past.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.