General
knee-high to a grasshopper
What does knee-high to a grasshopper mean?
Describes a young child or a time far back in someone's childhood.
"I've known him since he was knee-high to a grasshopper."
Origin
American folk simile, 1800s; a grasshopper being tiny, its knee-height is comically small.
Frequently asked questions
What does "knee-high to a grasshopper" mean?
It describes someone very young or small — usually a young child, or a time far back in their childhood.
Where does "knee-high to a grasshopper" come from?
It's an American folk simile from the 1800s; since a grasshopper is tiny, its knee-height is comically small.
How do you use it?
Reference someone's young age: "I've known him since he was knee-high to a grasshopper."
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