will–o'–the–wisp

noun \ˌwil-ə-thə-ˈwisp\

: a goal that cannot be reached

: a light that sometimes appears at night over wet ground

Full Definition of WILL-O'-THE-WISP

: a delusive or elusive goal

— will–o'–the–wisp adjective

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Will (nickname for William) + of + the + wisp

First Known Use: circa 1661

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