will-o'-the-wisp

US /ˌwɪl.oʊ.ðəˈwɪsp/
UK /ˌwɪl.oʊ.ðəˈwɪsp/
"will-o'-the-wisp" picture
1.

鬼火, 磷火

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

:
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
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。
2.

虚无缥缈的幻想, 难以捉摸的目标

something that is impossible or difficult to achieve or catch

:
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
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