not worth the candle
phrase
chiefly British, old-fashioned
: not worth the necessary effort, cost, or trouble
The car is so old that replacing the engine is not worth the candle.
Cite this Entry
“Not worth the candle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/not%20worth%20the%20candle. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
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