arriver à la cheville

French

Etymology

Literally, “to go up to the ankle (of)”.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /a.ʁi.ve a la ʃ(ə).vij/, (more formal) /a.ʁi.ve.ʁ‿a la ʃ(ə).vij/

Verb

arriver à la cheville

1. (figuratively, informal, followed by the preposition de) to hold a candle to, to measure up to

Usage notes

Chiefly used in the negative: ne pas arriver à la cheville de, i.e. "to not hold a candle to".

See also

• faire le poids
• faire pâle figure