ENGLISH
REFERENCE

snatch the pebble

idiom
Meaning

To fully grasp the meaning of a concept or to develop a skill to a high degree of proficiency, often that rivals some specific expert.


Origin

disputed origin

From the 1970s television series called Kung Fu starring David Carradine. In the title sequence to this series, the protagonist (a young martial arts student) is finally able to snatch a pebble from his master's hand, indicating he has developed sufficient skills and wisdom and is ready to leave the school and venture into the world.

Examples
SIMPLE

You will snatch the pebble when you practice every day.

CONTEXTUAL

After years of training under the master, she finally learned to snatch the pebble and perform the technique perfectly.

COMPLEX

Only when the student stops questioning the method and begins to embody the philosophy can they truly snatch the pebble from the master's hand.

Anchors to
Related idioms3entries
  1. 01

    pebble in one's shoe

    A small and bothersome issue that may worsen over time.

  2. 02

    snatch defeat from the jaws of victory

    To suddenly lose a contest one seemed very likely to win, especially through mistakes or bad judgment.

  3. 03

    snatch victory from the jaws of defeat

    To suddenly win a contest when it appears that loss is a foregone conclusion, to succeed in an endeavor through reversal of fortune, skill, effort, or good judgment.

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