To console oneself with imaginary things or wishful thinking when one's desires cannot be realized; to satisfy one's thirst by merely thinking of plums.
他梦想着有一天能环游世界，但目前只能通过看旅游纪录片来望梅消渴。
He dreams of traveling the world someday, but for now can only console himself with wishful thinking by watching travel documentaries.
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