Guru: I see something within this young man [Krillin]. Strength yet untapped. Power yet unleashed. Now hold still as I unleash the valley of strength hidden deep within! (lays his hand on Krillin's head) There! (pulls his hand back) I have unlocked your potential!
Krillin: ...I don't feel that different.
Guru: It wasn't that much.
Krillin: Huh. So this is my full potential?
Guru: Yes.
Krillin: So, then it's...
Guru: All downhill from here.
Krillin: (disheartened) ...Like Yamcha.
Guru: I don't know what this "Yamcha" is but it sounds disappointing.
Krillin: ...I don't feel that different.
Guru: It wasn't that much.
Krillin: Huh. So this is my full potential?
Guru: Yes.
Krillin: So, then it's...
Guru: All downhill from here.
Krillin: (disheartened) ...Like Yamcha.
Guru: I don't know what this "Yamcha" is but it sounds disappointing.
Gohan: With this power-up, I'm now as strong as you were when we fought on Earth!
Vegeta: Congratulations, you're still weaker than the last 3 guys I killed.
Gohan: Wow. I now know what it's like to feel like Krillin.
Krillin: Sucks, doesn't it?
Vegeta: Congratulations, you're still weaker than the last 3 guys I killed.
Gohan: Wow. I now know what it's like to feel like Krillin.
Krillin: Sucks, doesn't it?
Some advice, Prince, for the future. Next time, why don't you remember your place like the rest of them... and wait for Goku.
— Perfect Cell, before shattering Vegeta's spine, Dragonball Z Abridged
This is the last cool thing I'll ever do. There is no joke.
— Tenshinhan before Kikohoing Semi-Perfect Cell, Dragon Ball Z Kai Abridged
Curse it! I curse our uselessness!
— Piccolo, Dragon Ball Z, Cell Saga-era
Tommy: Wow. Those new Zords are amazing.
Alpha 5: Yes, they are - but don't be sad. We'll find some way to bring your powers up to full.
Alpha 5: Yes, they are - but don't be sad. We'll find some way to bring your powers up to full.
Karkat: HOW MUCH BULLSHIT IS IT THAT WE'RE PRETTY MUCH THE ONLY TWO ASSHOLES LEFT WHO CAN'T FLY?!
Kanaya: It Really Is Such Bullshit
Kanaya: It Really Is Such Bullshit
"You know, with talented people. They draw people to themselves, and without even trying to, they tear them to shreds. The closer you are to them, the more viciously you'll be torn apart. They're living in a completely different world above us. One that us normal people can't reach. In a world that we'll never see. A world above the clouds."
— Jin Mitaka Deconstructing the trope, The Pet Girl of Sakurasou
"The Roidmudes will keep getting upgraded like that, and Drive will evolve to face each new threat. But me? I don't have a way to do that... I'm being left behind! Even though I need to get stronger... I should be even stronger than he is! I mean, Mach is the more advanced system, right?!"
— Shijima Gou also deconstructing the trope, Kamen Rider Drive
"I understand Krile's feelings all too well. The desire to do one's part. It can be daunting to try and keep up, but nothing will change unless we take the first step."
— G'raha Tia, Final Fantasy XIV Endwalker
