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Showing results for hold a candle to. Search instead for held a candle to.

hold a candle to







Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

While most sectors have beaten the S&P 500 this year, “none of them hold a candle to energy’s gain of over 23%,” Bespoke said in a note emailed Thursday.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 12, 2026

“I’ll never hold a candle to those guys,” he says.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 13, 2025

A large roll of non-stick tinfoil couldn't hold a candle to Mamma Mia actress Amanda Seyfried, who wore a shiny metallic gown featuring flower appliques.

From BBC • May 6, 2024

But big city skiing comes with logistical challenges — Washington’s Cascades traffic doesn’t hold a candle to the Wasatch’s potential for grinding gridlock.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 10, 2024

Nobody in town could hold a candle to the Spoon Man when it came to unfolding a tale.

From "Stella by Starlight" by Sharon M. Draper




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