Definition
A chengyu meaning 'armchair strategy' — talking about theories or plans without real-world experience or practical action. It criticizes someone who argues ideas but can't execute them, like discussing military tactics on paper. Use it to dismiss impractical talk.
idiom
to engage in empty theorizing or armchair strategywithout practical experience or realistic solutions
Examples
- 纸上谈兵，。Tā zhǐshì zhǐ shàng-tán bīng, gēnběn bù dǒng jīcéng de qíngkuàng.He is just engaging in armchair strategy and doesn't understand the grassroots situation at all.
- 纸上谈兵，。Zhège jìhuà wánquán shì zhǐ shàng-tán bīng, méiyǒu kǎolǜ yùsuàn xiànzhì.This plan is pure armchair strategy, with no consideration of budget constraints.
- 纸上谈兵，。Zuò guǎnlǐ bùnéng zhǐ shàng-tán bīng, bìxū shēnrù yíxiàn liǎojiě wèntí.When doing management, you can't just engage in armchair strategy; you must go to the front line to understand the problems.
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