hobgoblin

• 指民间传说中顽皮或怪诞的小妖精，常被视为哥布林或小鬼的一种。

A noun referring to a mischievous or grotesque creature from folklore, often considered a type of goblin or imp.

1. C1formal

   A small, ugly, and mischievous creature from folklore, often considered a type of goblin.

   妖怪

   • The old tale warned of a hobgoblin that would hide children's shoes.
   • In the story, a hobgoblin played tricks on the villagers.
   • The forest was said to be haunted by a mischievous hobgoblin.

   同义词brownieelfgoblingremlinimppixiepucksprite

2. Imaginary source of fearC2formalamerican

   An imaginary or trivial cause of fear or worry, often used in the phrase 'hobgoblin of little minds'.

   心魔

   • Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote that 'a foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds'.
   • He dismissed the criticism as a hobgoblin of the opposition.
   • The politician called the scandal a hobgoblin invented by the media.

   同义词bogeybogeymanbugaboobugbear