will-o'-the-wisp

US /ˌwɪl.oʊ.ðəˈwɪsp/

UK /ˌwɪl.oʊ.ðəˈwɪsp/

鬼火, 磷火

a faint, flickering light seen at night over marshy ground, believed to be caused by combustion of natural gases

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The hikers reported seeing a mysterious will-o'-the-wisp in the swamp.

徒步旅行者报告说在沼泽中看到了神秘的鬼火。

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Folklore often describes the will-o'-the-wisp as leading travelers astray.

民间传说常将鬼火描述为引诱旅行者迷失方向。

虚无缥缈的幻想, 难以捉摸的目标

something that is impossible or difficult to achieve or catch

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Chasing perfection can be a will-o'-the-wisp.

追求完美可能是一个难以捉摸的目标。

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His promise of a quick solution turned out to be a mere will-o'-the-wisp.

他迅速解决问题的承诺结果只是一个虚无缥缈的幻想。