1.
aiming too high; overambition; unrealistic expectations
Wanting or expecting more than is reasonable or achievable. Used when someone sets their sights on something beyond their reach, whether in career, relationships, or material desires.
高望みはしない。
I won't aim too high.
今の自分には少し高望みかもしれない。
It might be aiming a little too high for where I am now.
高望みをせず、身の丈に合った生活をしたほうが幸せだと思う。
I think it's better to be happy living within your means rather than aiming too high.
Always carries a negative nuance — the implication is that one's aspirations are unrealistic. Often used self-deprecatingly or as advice to someone.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 高望みをする (to aim too high)
- 高望みはしない (not aim too high — setting modest expectations)
- 高望みしすぎ (aiming way too high)
COMMON CONTEXTS:
- Career/job hunting: wanting a job beyond one's qualifications
- Relationships/marriage: wanting a partner out of one's league
- Material desires: wanting things one cannot afford
CONTRAST:
- 身の丈に合った (suited to one's station) is often used as the opposite concept