[hold] (a|the) candle to the Devil - Definition & Meaning

to be comparable to someone who is very evilto be comparable to someone who is very evil

The idiom "hold a candle to the devil" originated from the Bible, where Satan is referred to as the “father of lies” (John 8:44). It also is also related to the practice of lighting candles in churches during religious services. The candles were lit to represent the presence of God, and it was considered a great sin to extinguish them. This expression is typically used to describe someone who is very evil or wicked.The idiom "hold a candle to the devil" originated from the Bible, where Satan is referred to as the “father of lies” (John 8:44). It also is also related to the practice of lighting candles in churches during religious services. The candles were lit to represent the presence of God, and it was considered a great sin to extinguish them. This expression is typically used to describe someone who is very evil or wicked.

Examples