1.
armchair theory; impractical plan
An argument or plan that sounds coherent on paper but cannot work in practice because it ignores real conditions. Almost always used dismissively, of someone else's proposal.
It is nothing more than armchair theorizing by someone who does not know the front line.
Literally "empty argument on the desk" — 机上 (on the desk) + 空論 (empty theory). The image is of a plan drawn up at a desk by someone who has never been to the site.
Common collocations
- 机上の空論だ: that is armchair theory
- 机上の空論に過ぎない: to be nothing but armchair theory
- 机上の空論に終わる: to end up as an impractical idea
Usage
This is a blunt criticism. Directed at a superior or a client it will sound rude, so softer phrasings such as 現実的ではない (not realistic) are usually chosen in polite settings.
Related Words
Compare:
理想論 (idealistic argument)