knee-high to a grasshopper

Idioms  

1. Quite young, as in I haven't seen him since I was knee-high to a grasshopper. This hyperbolic expression, dating from about 1850 and alluding to someone's youth, replaced the earlier knee-high to a mosquito or bumblebee or splinter.

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Example Sentences

The influence of Verdi has been supreme among the Verdists of young Italy, though not one has proved knee-high to a grasshopper when compared with the composer of that incomparable Falstaffo.

From Ivory Apes and Peacocks by Huneker, James

I reckon, Mr. Hamlin, that they know everything you ever did since you were knee-high to a grasshopper, and a good deal more than you ever thought of doin'.

From Trent's Trust, and Other Stories by Harte, Bret

Ever since you were knee-high to a grasshopper you had a knack for pitching hay.

From Ted and the Telephone by Stecher, William F. (William Frederick)

"Wonderin' is a habit I broke myself off of, when I wasn't knee-high to a grasshopper," she replied.

From Martha By-the-Day by Lippmann, Julie Mathilde

Why, I ain't bin inside a schoolhouse since I was knee-high to a grasshopper.

From Trent's Trust, and Other Stories by Harte, Bret