snatch the pebble

Meaning

Verb

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

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.