戴盆望天 dài pén wàng tiān

DEFINITIONS

  1. 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
  2. fig. it is hard to get on in one's career while encumbered by family obligations
  3. one can't perform a major task while bothered by other duties

CHARACTERS

戴 dài
HSK 4
wear on top; support
盆 pén
HSK 5
basin, tub, pot, bowl
望 wàng
HSK 2
to look at, look forward; to hope, expect
天 tiān
HSK 1
sky, heaven; god, celestial