Definition
力不从心 (lì bù cóng xīn) is a four-character idiom meaning 'one's strength does not follow one's heart' — used when someone wants to do something but lacks the physical or mental ability. It's equivalent to the English saying 'the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.'
idiom
to have one's ability fall short of one's desirethe spirit is willing but the flesh is weak
Examples
- ，力不从心。Tā niánjì dà le, zuò jiāwù shí chángcháng gǎndào lì bù cóng xīn.He is old and often feels that his strength can't keep up with his wishes when doing housework.
- ，力不从心。Wǒ yě xiǎng duō duànliàn, kěshì zǒng lì bù cóng xīn.I also want to exercise more, but I always find myself unable to follow through.
- ，力不从心。Zhè cì gōngzuò rènwù hěn zhòng, tā zhēnshi lì bù cóng xīn a.This work task is very heavy; he really can't match his willpower with his ability.
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