WILL­O'-THE-WISP


Meaning of WILL­O'-THE-WISP in English

n. 1 a phosphorescent light seen on marshy ground, perhaps resulting from the combustion of gases. 2 an elusive person. 3 a delusive hope or plan.

[ orig. Will with the wisp: wisp = handful of (lighted) hay etc. ]

Concise Oxford English dictionary.      Краткий оксфордский словарь английского языка.