眼高手低 High-handed
Explanation
形容人要求的标准很高,但实际能力很低,做不到。
Describes someone whose standards are high but whose actual ability is low.
Origin Story
从前,有个名叫张生的书生,自诩才高八斗,学富五车,一心想考取功名,光宗耀祖。他每天埋首于书海,博览群书,对各种经史子集都了如指掌。然而,他却极少动手实践,认为那些粗鄙的技艺不足挂齿。有一次,县里举办了一场书画比赛,张生信心满满地参加了,他胸有成竹地画了一幅雄伟的山峰,气势磅礴,构思巧妙。但当他拿起笔开始描绘细节时,却发现自己笔法生疏,难以驾驭,最终只完成了一幅粗糙的画作,惨遭淘汰。张生这才意识到,自己眼高手低,纸上谈兵,终究无法取得真正的成功。从此以后,他开始认真练习书画技巧,虚心向他人学习,最终成为一代名家。
Once upon a time, there was a scholar named Zhang Sheng who considered himself highly talented and learned, always dreaming of achieving fame and honor. He spent every day immersed in books, and his knowledge of history and literature was extensive. However, he rarely engaged in practical activities, deeming them unworthy of his attention. Once, the county held a calligraphy and painting competition. Zhang Sheng, full of confidence, participated in the event, creating a magnificent mountain scene in his mind, magnificent and cleverly conceived. But when he began to paint the details, he found his brushstrokes clumsy and difficult to control, resulting in a rough painting that was ultimately rejected. Zhang Sheng realized that his high standards did not match his low abilities and that merely possessing knowledge was insufficient for real success. From then on, he earnestly practiced his calligraphy and painting skills, humbly learning from others, and eventually became a renowned master.
Usage
多用于批评人只说不做,眼界高而实际能力差的情况。
Often used to criticize someone who only talks and does not act, whose vision is high but whose actual ability is low.
Examples
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他眼高手低,只会纸上谈兵,实际操作能力很差。
tā yǎn gāo shǒu dī, zhǐ huì zhǐ shàng tán bīng, shíjì cāo zuò néng lì hěn chà
He is only good at theory and lacks the practical skills.
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这个项目需要细致入微的工作,眼高手低的人很难胜任。
zhège xiàngmù xūyào xìzhì rùwéi de gōngzuò, yǎn gāo shǒu dī de rén hěn nán shèngrèn
This project requires meticulous work; those who lack skills will find it difficult to complete it.