猿えん猴こう捉そく月げつ

noun

overreaching and failing; trying to grasp the unattainable

A yojijukugo derived from a Buddhist parable: a monkey tries to catch the moon's reflection in water and drowns. Used to describe futile attempts beyond one's ability or station.

• 猿えん猴こう捉そく月げつのたとえは、身みの程ほどを知しらぬ愚おろかさを戒いましめる。

  The parable of the monkey catching the moon warns against the folly of not knowing one's limits.

• 彼かれの計けい画かくは猿えん猴こう捉そく月げつに終おわった。

  His plan ended in a futile attempt beyond his reach.