头重脚轻 top-heavy
Explanation
形容身体不适，头脑发胀，脚下无力。也比喻基础不牢固，缺乏稳定性。
Describes a physical discomfort with dizziness and weakness in the legs. It also describes a weak base or lack of stability.
Origin Story
话说，有一位年轻的书生，名叫李明，他勤奋好学，一心想考取功名。然而，他学习方法不当，只注重死记硬背，不求甚解，基础知识非常薄弱。考试临近，李明通宵达旦地复习，结果却头昏脑胀，身体不适，走路都摇摇晃晃，如同头重脚轻。他最终在考试中名落孙山，这使他明白了，只有打好基础，才能成就一番事业。
Once upon a time, there was a young scholar named Li Ming who was diligent and hoped to pass the imperial examination. However, his learning methods were improper; he only focused on rote memorization, without seeking deep understanding, his basic knowledge was quite weak. As the examination approached, Li Ming studied day and night, resulting in headaches, dizziness, and physical discomfort, his steps becoming unsteady as he felt top-heavy. Eventually, he failed in the exam, which taught him that he could only achieve success if he laid a solid foundation.
Usage
用于形容身体状况或事物基础不牢固，多用于比喻义。
Used to describe physical condition or the lack of a solid foundation of something, mostly in a metaphorical sense.
Examples
-
他做事总是虎头蛇尾，头重脚轻，缺乏毅力。
ta zuòshì zǒngshì hǔtóushéwěi, tóu zhòng jiǎo qīng, quēfá yìlì
He always does things half-heartedly, lacks perseverance, and his work is top-heavy and unsteady.
-
这个计划基础不牢，头重脚轻，很容易失败。
zhège jìhuà jīchǔ bù láo, tóu zhòng jiǎo qīng, hěn róngyì shībài
This plan lacks a solid foundation; it is top-heavy and prone to failure.