好大喜功 excessive ambition
Explanation
指不顾实际条件，一心想做大事，立大功。形容人浮夸、不切实际。
Refers to the act of wanting to accomplish great things and achieve great merit without considering practical conditions. It describes someone who is superficial, unrealistic, and boastful.
Origin Story
汉武帝刘彻雄才大略，励精图治，开创了汉武盛世。他锐意进取，多次派兵征讨匈奴，渴望一举歼灭这个北方强敌，最终取得了辉煌的胜利，为中华民族的强大和统一做出了巨大贡献。然而，汉武帝的征战也耗费了大量的人力物力，加重了百姓的负担。这便是一个典型的“好大喜功”的例子，他为了国家强大，不惜一切代价，最终虽然取得了胜利，但也留下了一些遗憾。
Emperor Wu of Han, Liu Che, was a man of great talent and strategic acumen. He ruled diligently and initiated reforms to usher in the flourishing period of the Han Dynasty. He was ambitious and repeatedly sent troops to war against the Xiongnu, hoping to annihilate this powerful northern enemy in one fell swoop. He ultimately achieved a glorious victory and made a great contribution to the strength and unity of the Chinese nation. However, Emperor Wu's wars also consumed a vast amount of manpower and resources, increasing the burden on the people. This is a typical example of "excessive ambition." In order to secure the strength of the country, he spared no expense, and while this ultimately led to success, it also left some unresolved problems.
Usage
多用于批评人做事不切实际，好高骛远，不顾后果。
Mostly used to criticize someone for acting unrealistically, aiming too high, and not considering the consequences.
Examples
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他总是好大喜功，结果往往适得其反。
ta zongshi haoda xigong, jieguo wang wang shideqifan.
He always wants to achieve great things, but often ends up with the opposite result.
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不要好大喜功，要一步一个脚印地做事。
buya haoda xigong, yao yibu yige jiaoyin di zuoshi
Don't be too ambitious, take one step at a time.