高谈阔论

高談闊論

gāotán-kuòlùn

idiom #31,683

Meanings

1 to talk loftily and expansively; to harangue
2 to hold forth grandly on abstract topics

Characters

wide; expansive

to discuss; discourse

Examples

HSK 7-9

他在酒桌上高谈阔论，别人插不上嘴。

Tā zài jiǔzhuō shàng gāotán-kuòlùn, biérén chā bú shàng zuǐ.

He held forth grandly at the dinner table, leaving no room for anyone else to speak.

HSK 7-9

与其高谈阔论，不如付诸行动。

Yǔqí gāotán-kuòlùn, bùrú fùzhū xíngdòng.

Rather than grandstanding with lofty talk, it's better to take action.

Tips

usage

Usually mildly disparaging - implies the talk is empty or detached from reality. Pair with contrasts like 付诸行动 (take action) or 脚踏实地 (stay grounded) to underline the criticism.

Stroke Order

高 gāo

谈 tán

阔 kuò

论 lùn