摘要
“can’t hold a candle to”是一个很流行的表达，它起源于电还没有被发明的时期，当时人们都用蜡烛照明。住在大房子里的人通常会让仆人拿着一根蜡烛在前面照明引路。这一表达的原意是指不能拿着蜡烛给你带路的人不配当你的仆人。现在，它的意思是“远远比不上……”。比如，“辛迪唱歌远远比不上她的姐姐。”
＂Can＇t hold a candle to＂ is a popular expression1. It is from the time before electricity, when people used candies for light. Someone who lived in a big house would have a servant2 light his way by holding a candle. The expression meant that the person who cannot hold a candle to you is not fit even to be your servant. Now, it means such a person cannot compare or compete. For example, ＂As for singing, Cindy can＇t hold a candle to her sister.＂
出处
《中学生英语（上旬刊）》
2014年第5期22-23,共2页
English Journal for Middle School Students
