Question

Choose the exact meaning of the idiom / phrase.
To hold a candle to
a. To be nearly as good as someone/ something else
b. To light a candle
c. To find out the true intention of
d. To support someone

Answer 1

Hint: Phrases and idioms are a group of words giving a certain circumstance or meaning. They can give the same meaning or something that would represent another idea similar to the circumstance mentioned, known as a metaphor.

This phrase is used in a negative sense to point out the opposite of an attribute pertaining to someone or something. It can be used to compare or highlight the favourable one of a group.

Complete answer:
 Now, from the options given above,

a. To be nearly as good as someone/something else: This is the exact definition to the given phrase to hold a candle to. This is often used to compare the negative aspect with that of a positive one.

b. To light a candle: the phrase doesn’t literally mean to light and hold a candle. It is a metaphor to another meaning

c. To find out the true intention of: This refers to seeking out the hidden agenda of a person or event. This is used in situations where people want to know the reason behind their actions.

d. To support someone: Refers to help or aid someone when in times of need. Hence, this is not the answer.

Hence, Option a, to be nearly as good as someone/ something else, is the answer to the given question.

Note: We may confuse the literal meaning, “to light a candle”, but this phrase is a metaphor. It doesn't mean to hold a candle to help a person, instead the phrase wants to convey a certain comparison.
Eg: "Nithin does not hold a candle to Rakesh when it comes to English efficiency".