be tarnished by comparison
The Chinese idiom, Pinyin is Xi ā NGX í ngsh ī s è, which means that it is insufficient compared with similar things. It's from Qin Mu's where cactus grow.
The origin of Idioms
Qin Mu's "in the place where cactus grow in clusters" said: "cactus finally appears in such a stubborn character and outstanding style that makes ordinary plants look pale."
Idiom usage
It has a derogatory meaning
Analysis of Idioms
To be dwarfed by
be tarnished by comparison
oranges change with their environment - nán jú běi zhǐ
to depend on under sb . 's thumb - jì rén yán xià
blot out the sky and cover the sun - zhē kōng bì rì