Knee-high to a grasshopper

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phrase

Being very small, young, or insignificant.

I haven't seen you since you were knee-high to a grasshopper!
Visual representation of "knee-high to a grasshopper" - Being very small, young, or insignificant

Often appears as...

  • since you were knee-high to a grasshopper
  • when she was knee-high to a grasshopper

Usage tips

Informal

Colloquial, Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "knee-high to a grasshopper"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Colloquial Metaphor

The phrase is metaphorical, comparing someone's height to that of a tiny insect.

Illustration for Colloquial Metaphor
Look how tall you've gotten! Last time I saw you, you were knee-high to a grasshopper.
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Informal Context

Used in casual conversation, often among friends or family as a playful remark.

Illustration for Informal Context
My, haven't you grown? You were just knee-high to a grasshopper when we last met!
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Exaggeration

It's an exaggerated expression for emphasis. The speaker doesn't actually compare to an insect.

Illustration for Exaggeration
He claims he's been fishing since he was knee-high to a grasshopper, but that's just a wild exaggeration.
Visual representation of the word "Knee-high to a grasshopper"

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