Definition
高谈阔论 is a four-character idiom that literally means 'high talk and broad discussion'. In modern usage, it carries a negative tone — describing someone who speaks loudly and eloquently but without substance or practical value, often to show off. You can use it to criticize empty rhetoric or pretentious conversation. Occasionally it's used neutrally to mean 'animated discussion', but the critical sense is far more common.
f.e.
to pontificateto indulge in high-sounding but empty talk
Examples
- ，。Tā zǒng xǐhuan zài huìyì shang gāo tán kuò lùn, què cóngbù tíchū jùtǐ fāng'àn.He always likes to pontificate at meetings, yet never proposes concrete plans.
- 高谈阔论，。Bié zài nàli gāo tán kuò lùn le, gǎnjǐn gànhuó ba.Stop your empty talk over there and get to work.
- 高谈阔论，。Jǐ ge péngyou jù zài yìqǐ gāo tán kuò lùn, liáo de hěn jìnxìng.A few friends gathered together, chattering away enthusiastically.
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