Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Far and high, unattainable: Describing something that is physically or metaphorically distant, elevated, and difficult or impossible to reach or achieve. It often refers to abstract concepts like ambitions, ideals, or dreams.
   • Lofty and remote: Conveying a sense of grand aspiration that is removed from practical or immediate reality.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Anh ấy có những mơ ước cao xa. (He has unattainable dreams.)
  • Kế hoạch đó nghe có vẻ cao xa và phi thực tế. (That plan sounds lofty and unrealistic.)
  • Những tầm nhìn cao xa đôi khi cần được cụ thể hóa. (Lofty visions sometimes need to be concretized.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in a slightly critical or cautionary context to describe plans or goals that are admirable but may be impractical due to their excessive ambition or detachment from current circumstances.

Variants and Related Words

• Cao vời: (adjective) high and far, lofty, often used similarly to "cao xa" to describe distant ideals.
  • Những mục tiêu cao vời. (Lofty goals.)

Synonyms

• Lofty: Of imposing height; elevated in character, spirit, or scope.
• Unattainable: Impossible to achieve or reach.
• Grandiose: Impressive or magnificent in appearance or style, especially pretentiously so.
• Impractical: Not adapted for use or action; not sensible or realistic.

Related Idioms

• Đứng núi này trông núi nọ: (lit. Standing on this mountain, looking at that mountain) This idiom describes always wanting something better or more distant, relating to the concept of "cao xa" desires.
  • Đừng đứng núi này trông núi nọ, hãy tập trung vào hiện tại. (Don't be always looking for something better; focus on the present.)

1. Far and high, unattainable
   • mơ ước cao xa
     an unattainable dream