hobgoblin Definition
- 1a mischievous and often ugly creature that appears in folklore and fairy tales
- 2something that causes fear or worry unnecessarily
Using hobgoblin: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "hobgoblin" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The hobgoblin in the story was always playing tricks on the other characters.
Example
The fear of failure is a hobgoblin that haunts many people.
Example
He saw his reflection in the dark window and thought it was a hobgoblin staring back at him.
hobgoblin Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with hobgoblin
a phrase coined by Ralph Waldo Emerson, meaning a petty concern that distracts from more important issues
Example
The debate over the candidate's hairstyle is the hobgoblin of little minds.
Example
I tried the Hobgoblin beer at the pub last night and it was delicious.
a type of spider found in Australia and New Zealand, known for its distinctive markings
Example
The hobgoblin spider is a fascinating creature to observe in the wild.
Origins of hobgoblin
from 'hob', a nickname for Robert, and 'goblin', a mischievous spirit
Summary: hobgoblin in Brief
A 'hobgoblin' [ˈhɒbɡɒblɪn] is a mischievous and often ugly creature that appears in folklore and fairy tales. It can also refer to something that causes unnecessary fear or worry, as in 'The fear of failure is a hobgoblin that haunts many people.' The phrase 'hobgoblin of little minds' refers to a petty concern that distracts from more important issues.
