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Home / Idiom / 力不从心

(idiom) to lack the ability to do what one would wish

力不从心
lì bù cóng xīn
l+ì·4th toneb+ù·4th tonec+óng·2nd tonex+īn·1st tone
IdiomHSK 7-9
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Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
(idiom) powerless to do anything about it无能为力wú néng wéi lìthe will is there, but not the strength (idiom) · the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak心有余而力不足xīn yǒu yú ér lì bù zúunable to; incapable of无法wú fǎone person alone cannot save the situation · one log (or a single stick) cannot prop up a tottering building · individual effort cannot sustain it独木难支dú mù nán zhīlit. the whip cannot reach (idiom); beyond one's influence · too far to be able to help鞭长莫及biān cháng mò jíbeyond one's power (to do sth)力所不及lì suǒ bù jí
Antonyms
lit. what the heart wishes, the hand accomplishes (idiom) skilled at the job · entirely in one's element · going smoothly and easily得心应手dé xīn yìng shǒuas far as one's capabilities extend (idiom); to the best of one's ability · within one's powers力所能及lì suǒ néng jí
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