短绠汲深 | incapable of handling a demanding task

duǎn短gěng绠jí汲shēn深

To attempt a profound or difficult task with insufficient ability or resources; to be incapable of handling a demanding situation due to lack of competence.

这项研究需要深厚的专业知识和多年的经验，对于我一个刚毕业的学生来说，恐怕是短绠汲深，难以胜任。

This research requires profound professional knowledge and years of experience; for a recent graduate like me, it's probably like trying to draw water from a deep well with a short rope, difficult to manage.

Era:

Ancient

Frequency:

Synonym:

绠短汲深

Story:

During the Spring and Autumn Period, Yan Hui, a disciple of Confucius, traveled from the State of Lu to the State of Qi, intending to discuss the grand principles of governing a state with the Duke of Qi.

Confucius, however, felt uneasy about this. When Zigong asked why,

Confucius replied, 'I recall a saying by Guan Zi: "A small pouch cannot hold a large amount, and a short rope cannot draw water from a deep well." This means that one must analyze specific problems in their specific context, and I'm concerned Yan Hui might find this difficult to achieve.'

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