snatch the pebble: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘snatch the pebble’ mean?
The idiom "snatch the pebble" refers to the act of successfully achieving a difficult goal or completing a challenging task, often requiring skill, precision, or resourcefulness.
Idiom Explorer
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The idiom "take by storm" means to conquer or overcome something quickly and easily, typically by using force, enthusiasm, or popularity.
The idiom "take a stab at" means to make an attempt or try something, often without being sure of the outcome or success.
The idiom "stumbling-block" refers to an obstacle or difficulty that hinders progress or success.
The idiomatic expression "stumbling-block" has an interesting history and a specific meaning in modern usage. Derived from its literal meaning, the phrase has evolved over time to convey a metaphorical sense that describes an obstacle or impediment that hinders progress or success.
The idiom "strike a blow" means to make a forceful or significant action or effort to achieve a desired result or to fight against something perceived as negative or unjust.
The idiom "stone's throw" means a very short distance away.
The idiom *stone's throw* has a literal meaning of a distance that can be covered by throwing a stone. It is commonly used to describe a very short distance.
One possible explanation for the metaphorical use of *stone's throw* is its association with proximity. The small distance that can be covered by throwing a stone suggests that two points are close to each other.
The idiom "stick the landing" means to successfully and gracefully complete a difficult task or performance, especially in sports or entertainment, without any mistakes or errors.
The idiom "steal someone's thunder" means to take credit for someone else's idea, innovation, or success, often overshadowing or diminishing their achievement.
The idiom "steal a march" means to gain an advantage over someone by doing something before they have the chance to act.
The idiom "steal a glance" means to quickly and discreetly look at something or someone, often when it is not socially acceptable or appropriate to do so.
FAIL
The idiom *snatch the pebble* is relatively unknown and not widely documented. Its origins can be traced back to the 1972 martial arts film, "Kung Fu," where it was used as a symbolic representation of a challenge or test of skill. In the movie, the character Master Kan holds out a handful of pebbles and instructs his student, Caine, to snatch one from his hand. This scene repeats itself throughout the series, but the specific phrase "snatch the pebble" is never explicitly mentioned.
Outside of the film context, there is little information available about the idiom. It is not commonly used in everyday language, nor does it have a widely understood meaning beyond its literal interpretation. Its limited usage suggests that the idiom does not hold significant popularity or cultural relevance outside of the film.
However, despite its obscurity, the idiom *snatch the pebble* offers room for speculation and interpretation. It can be linked to the broader concept of honing one's skills through rigorous training and discipline, reminiscent of the martial arts theme in "Kung Fu." Just as Caine's martial arts abilities were tested by Master Kan's challenge, individuals in various endeavors may encounter situations where they must demonstrate their expertise and prove their proficiency.
As with many idiomatic expressions, the meaning of *snatch the pebble* is not fixed and can vary depending on the context. While its origins and associations with martial arts lend it a sense of focus, precision, and agility, the idiom has yet to permeate contemporary conversations or literature. Its lack of integration into the collective consciousness suggests that it remains a niche expression.
Nonetheless, the idiom *snatch the pebble* sparks curiosity and invites further exploration. Its unique backstory derived from "Kung Fu" adds to its intrigue and potential metaphorical implications. Whether it is connected to facing challenges head-on, honing specific skills, or simply symbolizing a test of ability, the idiom leaves room for discussion and examination in the realm of idiomatic expressions.
The idiom *snatch the pebble* is relatively unknown and not widely documented. Its origins can be traced back to the 1972 martial arts film, "Kung Fu," where it was used as a symbolic representation of a challenge or test of skill. In the movie, the character Master Kan holds out a handful of pebbles and instructs his student, Caine, to snatch one from his hand. This scene repeats itself throughout the series, but the specific phrase "snatch the pebble" is never explicitly mentioned.
Outside of the film context, there is little information available about the idiom. It is not commonly used in everyday language, nor does it have a widely understood meaning beyond its literal interpretation. Its limited usage suggests that the idiom does not hold significant popularity or cultural relevance outside of the film.
However, despite its obscurity, the idiom *snatch the pebble* offers room for speculation and interpretation. It can be linked to the broader concept of honing one's skills through rigorous training and discipline, reminiscent of the martial arts theme in "Kung Fu." Just as Caine's martial arts abilities were tested by Master Kan's challenge, individuals in various endeavors may encounter situations where they must demonstrate their expertise and prove their proficiency.
As with many idiomatic expressions, the meaning of *snatch the pebble* is not fixed and can vary depending on the context. While its origins and associations with martial arts lend it a sense of focus, precision, and agility, the idiom has yet to permeate contemporary conversations or literature. Its lack of integration into the collective consciousness suggests that it remains a niche expression.
Nonetheless, the idiom *snatch the pebble* sparks curiosity and invites further exploration. Its unique backstory derived from "Kung Fu" adds to its intrigue and potential metaphorical implications. Whether it is connected to facing challenges head-on, honing specific skills, or simply symbolizing a test of ability, the idiom leaves room for discussion and examination in the realm of idiomatic expressions.
The idiom *snatch the pebble* is relatively unknown and not widely documented. Its origins can be traced back to the 1972 martial arts film, "Kung Fu," where it was used as a symbolic representation of a challenge or test of skill. In the movie, the character Master Kan holds out a handful of pebbles and instructs his student, Caine, to snatch one from his hand. This scene repeats itself throughout the series, but the specific phrase "snatch the pebble" is never explicitly mentioned.
Outside of the film context, there is little information available about the idiom. It is not commonly used in everyday language, nor does it have a widely understood meaning beyond its literal interpretation. Its limited usage suggests that the idiom does not hold significant popularity or cultural relevance outside of the film.
*"snatch victory from the jaws of defeat"* is an idiom that is closely related to *snatch the pebble*. It conveys the idea of achieving success or overcoming adversity in a dramatic and unexpected manner. Just as Caine's task of snatching the pebble from Master Kan's hand required focus and precision, snatching victory from the jaws of defeat requires a similar level of skill and determination. This idiom emphasizes the ability to turn a seemingly hopeless situation into a triumphant one.
Similarly, the idiom *"snatch defeat from the jaws of victory"* is also related to *snatch the pebble*. It refers to the act of losing or failing at the last moment, despite being in a winning position. This idiom highlights the importance of maintaining focus and avoiding complacency, as victory can be easily lost if one becomes careless or overconfident. Just as Caine's task of snatching the pebble required him to stay vigilant until the very end, individuals who snatch defeat from the jaws of victory must be careful not to let their guard down.
Another idiom related to *snatch the pebble* is *pull off*. This idiom means to successfully accomplish or achieve something, often with effort or difficulty. Like snatching the pebble from Master Kan's hand, pulling off a task or goal requires skill, determination, and precision. This idiom emphasizes the ability to complete a challenging task or achieve a significant accomplishment.
Lastly, the idiom *snap it up* is also connected to *snatch the pebble*. It means to acquire or obtain something quickly or eagerly. Just as Caine had to swiftly grab the pebble from Master Kan's hand, snapping it up implies a similar sense of urgency and speed. This idiom emphasizes the importance of seizing opportunities and acting swiftly.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "snatch the pebble" can be used in a sentence are:
- After years of training, she was finally able to snatch the pebble from the master's hand.
- In the race, the young runner managed to snatch the pebble from his competitor's grasp and take the lead.
- The magician amazed the audience by seemingly snatching the pebble out of thin air.
More "Martial" idioms
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