Catch a shadow in the air
It's a Chinese idiom. Pinyin is Tu á NK ō NGB ǔ y ǐ ng. There is no basis in fact in metaphor. It comes from the chronicle of Zen master Dahui pujue.
Idiom explanation
You can't catch the wind. There is no basis in fact in metaphor.
The origin of Idioms
According to the chronicle of Zen master Dahui pujue, "it's just like a fool chasing after a shadow in the air. He can only smile."
Idiom usage
Used as a predicate, object, attribute; used in writing
Analysis of Idioms
Catch the wind and catch the shadow
Chinese PinYin : tuán kōng bǔ yǐng
Catch a shadow in the air
console oneself with false hopes. wàng méi zhǐ kě
have talent but no opportunity to use it. lóng pán fèng yì
lock the stable door after the horse is stolen. zéi qù guān mén
trouble in the official seas. huàn hǎi fēng bō