I would be glad if any one could answer my question. Here us my question:When I want to say an expression like to hold a candle to some one, which of the below sentences is better to say:I can not hold a candle to you.I don't hold a candle to you.
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thanks for your answers. to hold a candle for some one means that you are not as good as them. so my question was when i want to use this expression should i use it with can or do in order to express my inability.
Oh, I just check the dictionary and there is the expression " to hold a candle TO someone". It's not FOR as I thought. This expression is new for me. Now I know it because of your discussion. Thank you!^^
I can't hold a candle for you ...it means there is some reason, obstacle and you are unable to do it (like u don't like me, there is wind, candle is too heavy :D etc)
I don't handle a candle for you... I find it weird but ok if u don't hold a candle for me, you can hold it for somebody else :D
Replies
can't hold a candle to someone, it is an idiom, and they are fixed expressions ,so always 'can 'never 'do'.
I think I can not hold the candle will be more suitable
Oh, I just check the dictionary and there is the expression " to hold a candle TO someone". It's not FOR as I thought. This expression is new for me. Now I know it because of your discussion. Thank you!^^
I can't hold the candle for you. (It is correct, showing some inablity to hold, like Luci very well explained.)
I don't hold a (or the) candle for you. (Here intension is shown not to do an act for 'you')
I won't hold a candle for you. (Intention for not doing an act in future.)
I don't handle a candle for you... I find it weird but ok if u don't hold a candle for me, you can hold it for somebody else :D
Got it???
I think both "can not" and "don't" are grammatically correct but different in meaning.
P/S: I think it should be "hold a candle FOR someone" (mean you help someone to hold a candle).