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candle

Definition

  • noun: wax that has been formed into a stick or another shape and has a string in the middle that can be burned
  • noun: a usually molded or dipped mass of wax or tallow containing a wick that may be burned (as to give light, heat, or scent or for celebration or votive purposes)
  • verb: to examine by holding between the eye and a light
  • usually used in the phrase 'not worth the candle'
  • synonyms: luminary, taper, planet

Examples

  • The car is so old that replacing the engine is 'not worth the candle'. [=the effort isn't worth the cost]

  • The new movie doesn't 'hold a candle to' [=it is not as good as] the original version.

  • We came to the memorial to 'burn' [='light'] a candle for the victims of the accident.

Movie quotes

  • (..) Yes. Yes, that is their name. This way. Don't follow the lights. Careful now! Or Hobbits go down to join the dead ones... ...and light little candles of their own. Frodo! - Gollum? - Don't follow the lights. - Gollum! (..)
    2002 The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers