足あし元もとにも及およばない

expression, i-adjective

be no match for; can't hold a candle to

Idiomatic phrase meaning someone or something is far inferior and cannot compare. Often used in the negative potential form 及ばない. The literal image is of not even reaching someone's feet.

• 彼かれの実じつ力りょくはプロの足あし元もとにも及およばない。

  His skill is no match for a professional's.

• この作さく品ひんは前ぜん作さくの足あし元もとにも及およばない出で来きだ。

  This work doesn't hold a candle to the previous one.