To be physically in seclusion or retirement but mentally still yearning for official position, worldly fame, or power; often used ironically to criticize fake recluses who are secretly ambitious and hypocritical.
他辞去了城里的工作，回到乡下开了一家小店，口口声声说喜欢清闲，可每当听到城里朋友升职加薪的消息，总还是有些身在林泉，心怀魏阙。
He resigned from his city job and returned to his hometown to open a small shop, constantly claiming to enjoy the quiet life. Yet, whenever he heard news of his city friends getting promotions or raises, he still felt a bit like he was 'physically in seclusion but mentally still yearning for position'.
Next Idiom