No Bigger than a Minute
Some expressions suit us to a T. This one describes me. All my life, I have been the smallest or one of the smallest in most settings.
- Smallest person in my family
- One of the smallest in my classes at school
- Smallest in my office
- Usually smallest in sports
You get the picture. Here I stand with my then 15-year-old nephew. The gentle giant with the shrimp of the family.
What makes this picture more fun: He was born tiny and premature. I was a big full-term baby.
No bigger than a minute means very small.
The expression often refers to a person who looks:
- Tiny
- Skinny
- Frail
- Hungry
This can also refer to animals or objects.
Abandoned baby animals look frail and hungry. In addition to food, they need tender loving care.
This expression has a few variations.
Although poor grammar, the following are common.
- Weren’t no bigger than a minute
- Ain’t bigger than a minute
Anyone or anything no bigger than a minute can make a big difference.
Regardless of our size (or any other characteristic), God can use us to make the world a better place. Let’s work together — gentle giants, shrimps, and everyone in between — to spread God’s love with a hurting world.
“He will bless those who fear the Lord—small and great alike” (Psalm 115:13 NIV).
Thanks to Ann Klotz for the suggestion.
Do you have an expression you want explained or a thought about this one? If so, please comment below.
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16 thoughts on “No Bigger than a Minute”
Haven’t heard that phrase in many years. I had a grandfather that used that. I can remember him saying, “She ain’t no bigger’n a minute.” in his heavy southern Indiana accent. Thanks for bringing a smile to my face in the form of a childhood memory. It always tickled me because I towered over what was thought to be my paternal family. While his name was Ermal, everyone called him “Shorty” for good reason. I’ll always remember my 6’1″ self hugging them and asking, “How’s the weather down there.”
He would chuckle and comment, “See you still got yer head in them clouds.” 🙂
What great memories, J.D. I love your back-and-forth conversation with “Shorty. I can see and hear it so clearly from your description. Thank you for taking the time to share.
Diana,
Even though I can say I have never heard that phrase, I used to feel self conscience about being one of the shortest kids during elementary school years, All but a couple of girls were shorter than me. one of my classmates used me in a skirt as a human bowling ball. Thankfully, as high school came into the picture, I grew to a normal size of 5’8″.
it is so true that God doesn’t use the world’s measuring stick to chart our value or growth. “Man look on the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart.
Ben, I remember similar instances with some of the shorter boys when I was in elementary school. I was teased but not as much as them. I’m so thankful God creates each of us for a purpose and loves us unconditionally.
Believe it or not, I’ve never heard this phrase, Diana. It’s a good one!
Blessings!
Thank you, Martha. I love it when other people learn a new phrase and when I’m introduced to a new one.
Short also refers to the length of time before discharge from the services. For instance, “I’m so short I can play handball against the curb.”
Good memories, as JD says.
Warren, I remember my husband using short to describe his time before discharge. I hadn’t thought of that in year. However, I never heard your “I’m so short I can play handball against the curb.” Thanks for a morning smile and a new description. Blessings.
Warren, when I left the Army, I was so short, I could sit on a dime and dangle my feet! 🤣
Chris, you made me laugh out loud! What a vivid description. Thank you.
I’ve heard this one many times. Your picture and verse are perfect!
Thank you, Tracy. My sister laughed and had to take that picture when she saw us together. I was excited about how appropriate the verse is.
“Not as big as a minute” is a common phrase in my “neck of the woods.” Love the picture of you and you nephew. He is a giant–but I’m sure he is a gentle one. Thanks for your entertaining message. I always enjoy.
In my neck of the woods too, Katherine. You are always so encouraging. Thank you.
I remember this well! Precious memories, how they linger- – – how they ever flood my soul!!! Thank you for being such a beautiful blessing and for all of my precious memories!
I love that song and sentiment, Anne. You continue to bless my life even from a distance. Thank you, dear friend.