Meaning of will o' the wisp | Babel Free

Definitions

1. Any of several kinds of pale, flickering light, appearing over marshland in many parts of the world with diverse folkloric explanations and multiple possible scientific explanations including bioluminescence and chemiluminescence.
2. A flickering light or lantern, especially over bogs, swamps or marshes, held by a supernatural creature who uses it to lure travelers at night to their demise.
   British
3. A delusionary or otherwise unachievable goal that one feels compelled to pursue.
   figuratively

Equivalents

Examples

“1988, Michael Weikath, "Keeper of the Seven Keys", Helloween, Keeper of the Seven Keys: Part II. Will o' the wisps / Misguiding your path / You can't throw a curse / Without takin' their wrath”

“Some preliminary legal arrangements were made, but the scheme proceeded no further, as the various local authorities concerned were unwilling to speculate public funds on what was, even at that date, a will o' the wisp.”

“I happen to think the brothers’ pi project is a will-o’-the-wisp, and is one of the least interesting things they’ve ever done. But what do I know?”

CEFR level