Mirage
01
海市蜃楼, 幻象
something that appears desirable or promising but is ultimately unattainable or elusive
例子
For many struggling artists, fame and fortune can seem like a mirage, always shimmering on the horizon but never within reach.
对于许多苦苦挣扎的艺术家来说，名望和财富可能就像海市蜃楼，总是在地平线上闪烁，但永远无法触及。
The concept of a perfect, harmonious society often proves to be a mirage, as human nature and conflicting interests make it unattainable.
一个完美、和谐社会的概念常常被证明是海市蜃楼，因为人性和相互冲突的利益使其无法实现。
02
海市蜃楼, 光学错觉
an optical illusion caused by atmospheric conditions, creating the appearance of water, objects, or landscapes where none exist
例子
In the desert heat, weary travelers often mistake distant sand dunes for shimmering lakes due to mirages.
在沙漠的炎热中，疲惫的旅行者常常因为海市蜃楼而将远处的沙丘误认为是闪烁的湖泊。
The nomads knew to distrust their senses when they spotted what appeared to be an oasis, recognizing it as a mirage.
游牧民知道当他们发现看似绿洲的东西时不要相信自己的感官，认识到那是一种海市蜃楼。
