ignis fatuus

• Ein gespenstisches, leuchtendes Phänomen über Sümpfen, das oft durch Selbstentzündung von Gasen aus verrottendem organischem Material erklärt wird; im übertragenen Sinn auch etwas Trügerisches oder Irreführendes, das Menschen in Gefahr oder falsche Hoffnungen lockt.

A phosphorescent light that hovers or flits over marshy ground, often attributed to the spontaneous combustion of gases from decaying organic matter; also used figuratively to describe something deceptive or misleading that lures people into danger or false hope.

1. Will-o'-the-wispC2formal

   A pale, flickering light seen over marshy ground at night, thought to be caused by the spontaneous combustion of gases.

   Irrlicht

   • The travelers were misled by an ignis fatuus in the swamp.
   • Ancient folklore often described ignis fatuus as a ghostly flame.
   • The ignis fatuus appeared as a dancing light over the bog.

2. Deceptive hope or goalC2formal

   Something that misleads or deludes; an illusion or false hope.

   Trügerische Hoffnung oder Ziel

   • The promise of quick wealth was an ignis fatuus for many investors.
   • His dream of becoming a rock star turned out to be an ignis fatuus.
   • Pursuing that unrealistic plan is like chasing an ignis fatuus.