too far behind to catch up; outclassed
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 3 examplesidiom
to be far too inferior to catch up; to be unable to match someone else's superiority
formalLiterally describes seeing only the dust of the person ahead and being unable to catch up; figuratively expresses that someone or something is so superior that others cannot reach their level. Often used in formal, literary, or self-deprecating contexts to express admiration for another's abilities.
Tā他
de的
Yīng英
yǔ语
shuǐ水
píng平
tài太
gāo高
le了
，
wǒ我
wàng望
chén尘
mò莫
jí及
。
His English proficiency is so high that I cannot even begin to catch up.
Zhè这
jiā家
gōng公
sī司
de的
yán研
fā发
néng能
lì力
ràng让
jìng竞
zhēng争
duì对
shǒu手
wàng望
chén尘
mò莫
jí及
。
This company's research and development capabilities leave its competitors far behind.
Show 1 more exampleShow fewer examples
Tā她
zài在
yīn音
yuè乐
fāng方
miàn面
de的
tiān天
fù赋
lìng令
rén人
wàng望
chén尘
mò莫
jí及
。
Her talent in music is beyond the reach of others.