1
general::
Also, not fit to or cannot hold a candle to. Be inferior to someone or something, as in This hotel can't hold a candle to the Palace, or This new friend of his is not fit to hold a candle to his former buddies. This expression was already a proverb in John Heywood's collection of 1546 and alludes to holding a candle to provide light for someone, at that time considered a menial chore.
American Heritage Idioms
2
general::
Phrase(s): not hold a candle to someone or something
Go to not hold a stick to someone or something and not hold a candle to someone or something
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs