📖 Meaning
This idiom describes someone whose ambitions are grand and far-reaching, yet whose actual abilities are shallow and insufficient. It points to a mismatch between lofty aspirations and meager competence, essentially synonymous with 'great ambition but little talent.'
📜 Origin Story
The phrase is a variant expression closely related to the older and more common idiom 志大才疏 (great ambition, little talent), which traces back to classical Chinese historical writings commenting on figures whose plans exceeded their capabilities. 意广才疏 uses 意 (will, aspiration) in place of 志, emphasizing the breadth of one's desires rather than resolute determination. No single definitive origin story is associated with this specific variant. It has been used in literary and didactic contexts to caution against setting goals beyond one's means.
💡 Example Usage
他虽有志振兴家业，却意广才疏，终归一事无成。
Though he aspired to revive the family business, his ambition far exceeded his ability, and he ultimately accomplished nothing.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 意广才疏
- Pinyin: yì guǎng cái shū
- Literal Translation: ambition, broad, talent, shallow
- Category: Attitude
- Characters: 4