An expression, used in the format of "X doesn't hold a candle to Y", that basically means "X can't compare to Y." This always seems to be used in the negative sense. I've never heard anyone say something like, "Internet Exploder holds a candle to Netscape." It's always something like "Winblows doesn't hold a candle to Linux when it comes to -fill in the blank-."

I've no idea where this phrase came from. Perhaps it is related to the fact that a lowly candle is one of the dimmest non-electronic light sources, and physically holding it next to any other light source (such as the sun, or the raging fire you've created due to the miscalculation with the fireworks) renders it insignificant. Any other ideas?

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