„Er reicht ihm das Wasser nicht."
He is not worthy to clean his boots.
What does „Er reicht ihm das Wasser nicht." mean in German?
„Er reicht ihm das Wasser nicht." means "He is not worthy to clean his boots.." Literally: "He doesn't reach him the water.."
Literal Translation
"He doesn't reach him the water."
English Equivalent
"He can't hold a candle to him."
This English idiom conveys the same meaning as the German expression.
Grammar Notes
'das Wasser nicht reichen können' = to be far inferior
When is this idiom used?
This expression is used in everyday spoken German in casual and semi-formal settings.
Related Words
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Related Idioms
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Exit (exeunt).
„Vom 1. Januar ab wird die Miete erhöht."
From the 1st of January the rent will be raised.
„Er ist abgeblitzt."
He was rebuffed.
„Er brach kurz ab."
He stopped short.
„Sie sitzen noch auf der ABC-Bank."
They are still beginners.
„Es drückt mir das Herz ab."
It breaks my heart.
