will-o'-the-wisp

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

More myths would have surrounded the eerie blue glow of will-o'-the-wisp – methane from peat beds burning over the top of the marshes.

From BBC • Dec. 25, 2024

Instead, for some reason, he followed Javy Báez down the line, as if Javy Báez was a will-o’-the-wisp.

From Slate • May 27, 2021

The idea of parliamentary elections, in principle scheduled for September, at this point is only a will-o’-the-wisp.

From Washington Times • May 7, 2018

Around New York City, it seemed, there was a tiny enclave of impassioned, well-fed so-and-sos who had all gone mad for this will-o’-the-wisp of a savory.

From New York Times • Jan. 18, 2011

“He is given to many disguises. He is a veritable will-o’-the-wisp, scurrying here and there in his never- ending search for marauders.

From "A Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole