📖 Meaning
The rope is too short to reach the water in a deep well. It is a metaphor for having insufficient ability or skill to handle a heavy or demanding task. It conveys the idea that one's limited capabilities cannot match the difficulty of the challenge undertaken.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from the Zhuangzi, specifically the chapter Zhi Le (至乐). The text states that a small pouch cannot hold large items, and a short rope cannot draw water from a deep well. The metaphor was later adopted by scholars and officials to modestly decline responsibilities beyond their abilities. Tang dynasty writer Xiao Yingshi used it in his letter to Wei Siye, saying that indeed limited wisdom cannot accomplish grand plans, as a short rope cannot reach deep water.
💡 Example Usage
面对这项复杂的科研任务，他深知绠短汲深，不敢贸然承担。
Facing this complex research task, he knew his abilities fell short of the challenge, like a short rope unable to reach deep water, and dared not take it on rashly.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 绠短汲深
- Pinyin: gěng duǎn jí shēn
- Literal Translation: geng, rope, duan, short, ji, draw water, shen, deep
- Category: Skill
- Characters: 4