Mirage

Definitions

1. An optical phenomenon in which light is refracted through a layer of hot air close to the ground, often giving the illusion of a body of water.
2. An illusion.
   figuratively

Equivalents

Examples

“I remember⟳ hearing, that in the East the clear and azure waters seem to flow⟳ before the weary and parched traveller; yet a little further, and on he urges his weary way, but in vain—the fair stream is a delusion. Even thus happiness is the mirage which leads us over the desert of life, ever fated to end⟳ in deceit and disappointment.”

CEFR level