Definition
望尘莫及 is a four-character idiom (成语) that literally means 'to watch the dust and be unable to catch up'. It describes a situation where someone or something is so far ahead—in ability, achievement, or timing—that you cannot catch up or compare. You usually use it in a comparison with 跟/比/对, often with a self-deprecating tone.
id.
far behindcannot comparetoo inferiortoo late to catch up
Examples
- ，望尘莫及。Tā de shuǐpíng tài gāo le, wǒ wàng chén mò jí.His skill level is too high; I can't compare.
- ，望尘莫及。Zài zhè fāngmiàn, wǒ guó de kējì hái wàng chén mò jí fādá guójiā.In this area, our country's technology still lags far behind developed nations.
- ，望尘莫及。Jīhuì yǐjīng cuòguò le, xiànzài hòuhuǐ yě wàng chén mò jí.The opportunity has passed; it's too late to regret it now.
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