the ability falls short of the desire; the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 3 examplesidiom
ability is not equal to one's ambition; lacking the capacity to achieve what one wishes
neutralUsed to express frustration or helplessness when one's capabilities are insufficient to fulfill a goal or intention. It emphasizes the gap between desire and reality.
Wǒ我
xiǎng想
bāng帮
tā他
wán完
chéng成
zhè这
ge个
xiàng项
mù目
，
dàn但
què确
shí实
lì力
bù不
cóng从
xīn心
。
I want to help him finish this project, but I truly lack the capability.
Tā他
nián年
jì纪
dà大
le了
，
xiǎng想
duō多
péi陪
sūn孙
zi子
wán玩
，
què却
yǐ已
lì力
bù不
cóng从
xīn心
。
He is old now, wanting to play more with his grandson, but he no longer has the strength.
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Gōng公
sī司
xiǎng想
kuò扩
zhāng张
，
dàn但
zī资
jīn金
duǎn短
quē缺
，
guǎn管
lǐ理
céng层
gǎn感
dào到
lì力
bù不
cóng从
xīn心
。
The company wants to expand, but with a shortage of funds, the management feels unable to do so.