hold a candle for

Verb

To feel romantic attraction for.

Japanese Meaning

（誰かに）恋愛感情を抱く / （誰かに）惹かれる

Even after all these years, she still can't help but hold a candle for her high school boyfriend.

何年経っても、彼女は高校時代の彼氏に今でも恋心を抱かずにはいられない。

Sense（1）

To feel romantic attraction for.

Despite Dawson now having the starring role, she still held a candle for her celebrity crush.

holds a candle for

（ present singular third-person ）

holding a candle for

（ participle present ）

held a candle for

（ participle past ）

held a candle for

（ past ）