The phrase "patience, young grasshopper" originated from the 1970s television show "Kung Fu" [1]. In the show, David Carradine played the character Kwai Chang Caine, a Shaolin monk who traveled across the American Old West. Caine's master, Master Po, frequently referred to him as "grasshopper" and would impart wisdom by saying "patience, young grasshopper" [1].

The metaphorical use of the term "grasshopper" to describe an inexperienced or youthful person comes from Chinese culture, where the bug represents youth and inexperience [2]. The phrase gained popularity through its association with the discipline of martial arts and the teachings of patience, self-discipline, and restraint [2].

The phrase has moved beyond its "Kung Fu" roots and entered common usage, often used to advise people to be persistent and patient in various situations [2]. It has become a cultural icon that imparts universal lessons, such as the value of perseverance in the face of difficulty and the understanding that true mastery is a process rather than a final goal [2].

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1. Where does that phrase 'patience young grasshopper ... - Quora
2. Where does that phrase come 'patience young grasshopper' ? - letsdiskuss
3. “Patience Grasshopper”