隔靴搔痒

隔靴搔痒

Literally means:

scratch at an itch from outside the boot

Actually means:

fail to get to the root of a matter

It literally means scratching at an itch from outside the boot, and figuratively it means failing to come to the point and address the key issue when talking,writing about or doing something. It carries a tone of criticism and reproach. Derogatory.

隔着靴子抓痒。比喻说话、写文章或做事没有抓住要害，不解决问题。含有批评指责的意味。具有贬义色彩。