戴盆望天 dài pén wàng tiān

one can't perform a major task while bothered by other duties

Word data

HSK Not in HSK
Frequency Unknown

Definitions

  1. 1. one can't perform a major task while bothered by other duties
  2. 2. fig. it is hard to get on in one's career while encumbered by family obligations
  3. 3. lit. viewing the sky with a basin on one's head; it is hard to get a clear view of the sky while carrying a platter on one's head

Characters

Character Meaning
戴 dài HSK 4
to put on or wear (glasses, hat, gloves etc); to bear
盆 pén HSK 5
basin; flower pot
望 wàng HSK 2
to hope; to expect; to look towards
天 tiān HSK 1
day; sky; heaven