# 眼高手低

yǎn gāo shǒu dī

Have high expectations but inadequate practical ability

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Eyes high, hands low

**Register:** Critical · expressive

[Effort & growth](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/effort)

## When to use it

Criticize ambitious judgment unsupported by skill.

A beginner can have ambition while honestly learning.

## Understanding the expression

The eyes aim high, but the hands cannot yet produce work at that level. The expression describes a mismatch between demanding standards or ambitions and actual practical ability. It often concerns someone who dismisses basic tasks while failing to perform them well. Wanting excellent results is not itself a fault. The problem is refusing the practice and humility needed to close the gap between what one imagines and what one can do.

## Examples

他眼高手低，连基础题都做错。

### Traditional Chinese

他眼高手低，連基礎題都做錯。

tā yǎn gāo shǒu dī ， lián jī chǔ tí dōu zuò cuò 。

He aims high but lacks the skills to solve even basic problems.

别眼高手低，先练好基本功。

### Traditional Chinese

別眼高手低，先練好基本功。

bié yǎn gāo shǒu dī ， xiān liàn hǎo jī běn gōng 。

Do not overestimate your ability; master the fundamentals first.

她承认自己眼高手低，开始认真练习。

### Traditional Chinese

她承認自己眼高手低，開始認真練習。

tā chéng rèn zì jǐ yǎn gāo shǒu dī ， kāi shǐ rèn zhēn liàn xí 。

She admitted her expectations exceeded her skills and began practicing seriously.

方案华丽却无法执行，显得眼高手低。

### Traditional Chinese

方案華麗卻無法執行，顯得眼高手低。

fāng àn huá lì què wú fǎ zhí xíng ， xiǎn de yǎn gāo shǒu dī 。

The elaborate but unworkable proposal suggests ambition beyond practical ability.

## Sources & reference checks

Original explanations and examples from Chinese Idioms Almanac. Source-checked October 6, 2026.

- [CC-CEDICT · forms & pronunciation](https://www.mdbg.net/chinese/dictionary?page=worddict&wdqb=%E7%9C%BC%E9%AB%98%E6%89%8B%E4%BD%8E)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=805&webMd=1&la=0)

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- [夜以继日 yè yǐ jì rì Work continuously through day and night ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/ye-yi-ji-ri)

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