力不从心 lìbùcóngxīn to lack the ability to do what one would wish
(idiom) to lack the ability to do what one would wish
How to remember 力不从心: 力 power + 不 not + 从 from + 心 heart = to lack the ability to do what one would wish.
Characters
How it is used
- You want to but lack the strength/ability to pull it off - 想帮忙却力不从心 (xiǎng bāngmáng què lìbùcóngxīn) willing to help but not up to it.
- Key nuance: the will is there, the capacity isn't - often about age, health, or resources falling short of intentions.
- Set idiom, slightly formal; predicate use, commonly after 感到/觉得.