zhì志dà大cái才shū疏
To have grand ambitions but lack the necessary talent or ability to achieve them; overambitious yet lacking in capacity.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Story:
During the Eastern Han Dynasty, Kong Rong spared no effort to protect Emperor Xian's interests, often satirizing and opposing Cao Cao's policies.
When Cao Cao issued a ban on alcohol to save grain, Kong Rong wrote essays extolling the virtues of drinking. He even publicly criticized Cao Cao in front of envoys from Eastern Wu, which ultimately led to his execution by Cao Cao.
Later generations commented that he was a person with great ambitions but insufficient talent, unable to accomplish great things.