tenir la chandelle

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French[edit]

Etymology[edit]

Literally, to hold the candle.

Pronunciation[edit]

  • IPA(key): /tə.niʁ la ʃɑ̃.dɛl/
  • (file)

Verb[edit]

tenir la chandelle

  1. to be the third wheel, to play gooseberry

Usage notes[edit]

This is not the equivalent of the English idiom hold a candle to.

Conjugation[edit]

See also[edit]