高谈阔论 high-flown talk
Explanation
指夸夸其谈，大发议论，多指不着边际地大发议论。
Refers to boastful talk, long discussions, often without substance or relevance.
Origin Story
话说唐朝时期，一位名叫李白的诗人，才华横溢，常常在酒席上高谈阔论，引经据典，旁征博引，引得众人纷纷侧目。一日，他与友人相聚，酒过三巡，李白兴致勃勃，又开始高谈阔论起来，他谈论起自己诗作的构思，谈论起对政治的见解，甚至谈论起神仙鬼怪，一时间，满座皆惊，无人能与他匹敌。然而，也有人觉得他有些夸夸其谈，不着边际。其中一位友人，便笑着劝说道："李白兄，你的才华令人敬佩，但切莫高谈阔论，以免失了分寸。"李白听后，略微沉思，随即哈哈大笑，说道："友人所言甚是，我性情如此，难以自持，不过，人生在世，何妨高歌一曲，畅谈一番呢？"
It is said that during the Tang Dynasty, a poet named Li Bai, with overflowing talent, often spoke eloquently and learnedly at banquets, quoting classics and making extensive references, which impressed everyone around him. One day, he met with friends, and after they had drunk several rounds, Li Bai became engrossed in an extensive discussion. He talked about the conception of his poems, his political views, and even ghosts and demons; it was a feast of words, and no one could match him. However, some thought that he boasted too much and went overboard. One of his friends said with a smile:"Brother Li Bai, your talent is admirable, but don't overdo the talking, lest you lose your composure." Li Bai thought for a moment, then laughed loudly and said:"My friend is right. I am so disposed that I find it hard to control myself, but isn't it beautiful to sing songs and have conversations while living in this world?"
Usage
常用来形容夸夸其谈，大发议论，多用于贬义。
Often used to describe boastful talk and lengthy discussions, mostly in a derogatory sense.
Examples
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会议上，他高谈阔论，滔滔不绝。
huiyi shang, ta gaotan kuolun, taotaobubjue
At the meeting, he spoke eloquently and at great length.
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他对历史典故高谈阔论，引经据典。
duiyu lishi diangu gaotan kuolun, yinjingjudian
He talked at length about historical anecdotes, quoting classics.