Adult grasp?

[Deepurple]

I would like to know the meaning of "adult grasp" in the following sentence:

"Last week, he was even rattled by some mild questioning from school students who, with an adult grasp of the issues facing Hong Kong, talked about such issues as the rising cost of living."

Thank you.

[MaryTeacher]

Hi-

In this sentence, adult "grasp" means adult understanding of the issues. Grasp usually means to hold and hang on to something, so it's used here metaphorically to suggest that the mind or intellect is able to hold onto (understand) an idea.

I hope that helps!

Mary

[BobK]

More etymology: 'grasp' isn't alone, although its metaphorical roots are nearer the surface.
'Comprehend' (Latin, prehendere [=grasp]) got there first.

b