志大才疏 great ambition, but limited talent
Explanation
志向远大，但才能平庸，难以胜任大事。
Having grand ambitions, but mediocre talents, making it difficult to accomplish great things.
Origin Story
东汉末年，孔融以其清高的气质和出众的才华闻名于世。他敢于直言，批评曹操，甚至在曹操面前也毫不畏惧。然而，孔融的性格过于刚直，常常得罪权贵，他的政治手腕也并不高明，最终因反对曹操而被杀害。后人常常用“志大才疏”来评价孔融，一方面肯定了他的雄心壮志，另一方面也指出了他的才能不足以支撑他的理想。历史的悲剧也证明了这一点。孔融的一生，可以说是“志大才疏”的典型例子。他拥有远大的理想，却缺乏实现理想的足够能力，最终落得个悲惨的下场。然而，他的精神却值得后人敬佩。孔融的故事告诉我们，光有远大的理想是不够的，更需要具备与之匹配的才能和智慧。只有理想与能力相结合，才能成就一番事业。
In the late Eastern Han Dynasty, Kong Rong was known for his noble temperament and outstanding talent. He dared to speak frankly and criticize Cao Cao, even in Cao Cao's presence. However, Kong Rong's personality was too upright, often offending the powerful, and his political skills were not particularly refined. Ultimately, he was executed for opposing Cao Cao. Later generations often use the phrase "great ambition, but limited talent" to describe Kong Rong, acknowledging his lofty aspirations while also pointing out his lack of ability to support his ideals. The historical tragedy also proves this. Kong Rong's life can be seen as a typical example of "great ambition, but limited talent". He possessed great ideals but lacked the sufficient ability to achieve them, ultimately leading to a tragic end. However, his spirit is still worthy of admiration. The story of Kong Rong teaches us that great ideals alone are not enough; one also needs the matching ability and wisdom. Only when ideals and ability are combined can one achieve great things.
Usage
形容人理想远大而实际能力不足。
Describes someone with grand ambitions but insufficient abilities.
Examples
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他志大才疏，空有抱负，却难以实现。
tā zhì dà cái shū, kōng yǒu bàofù, què nán yǐ shíxiàn
He is ambitious but lacks talent, making it difficult to achieve his aspirations.
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这项目需要精明强干的人才，志大才疏的可不行。
zhè xiàngmù xūyào jīngmíng qiánggàn de réncái, zhì dà cái shū de kě bùxíng
This project needs talented and capable people; those with big ambitions but no ability won't do