sigh at one's insignificance; lament one's inadequacy
Meanings
2 senses · 5 examplesidiom
to sigh at one's own insignificance when facing something vast or great
literaryOriginal meaning from Zhuangzi (庄子), describing the feeling of the river god when facing the vast ocean. 望洋 literally means 'looking up'.
Faced with the vast universe, humanity can only sigh at its own insignificance.
Standing at the peak of the majestic Mount Tai, he sighed at his own smallness, deeply feeling his individual insignificance.
idiom
to feel helpless about lacking the power or ability to do something; to lament one's inadequacy
neutralModern extended meaning, used when one desires to accomplish something but lacks the necessary resources, skills, or conditions.
Without professional skills, I can only lament my helplessness in the face of this difficult problem.
Looking at the high housing prices, many young people can only sigh helplessly.
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With insufficient equipment, even the best plans can only remain unfulfilled dreams.