The phrase “can’t hold a candle to” is often used to describe someone or something that is of inferior quality. For example:

Generic laptop memory can’t hold a candle to Kingston laptop memory.

The coin was originally phrased because an apprentice was required to hold the candle for the wiser, more experienced workmen so that they could see what they were doing. If you could not even hold a candle for the professional, you were considered not of much worth at all.