Non si puo volar senza ale, he would fain fly, hut he wants wings, is said of persons attempting to do what is much beyond their power or capacity ; who speak authoritatively, without having a right to command or power to enforce obedience. It may also be said of any one in excuse for not having done what was expected of him, but which he had not the necessary means for accomplishing. Il ne faut pas voler avant que d'avoir des ailes.