| 释义 |
mare's-nest
[mare1. Cf. † horse-nest, which is recorded earlier (horse n. 28).]
Originally in the fig. phrase to have found a mare's nest: to imagine that one has discovered something wonderful, which in fact has no existence. Hence, an illusory discovery, esp. one that is much vaunted and displays foolish credulity.
a1619Fletcher Bonduca v. ii, Why dost thou laugh? What Mares nest hast thou found? 1738Swift Pol. Conversat. 51 You have found a Mare's Nest. 1840Hood Up the Rhine Pref. 1 Such Critics as are fond of climbing up a Mât de Cocagne for a Mare's Nest at the top. 1892Times (weekly ed.) 21 Oct. 18/2 Colonel S.'s discovery is a mere mare's nest.
¶ Confused use.1857J. W. Croker in C. Papers 1 Feb. (1884) I. iii. 83 Tierney was ashamed of himself to be taken in such a mare's nest.
Hence mare's-nest v. to go after mare's-nests.
1859Lever Dav. Dunn xv. 134 He's always mare's nesting. |