hobgoblin
/ˈhɑbˌɡɑblɪn/
noun
- A small, mischievous creature in folklore, often thought to cause trouble or play tricks.
- Children in the village blamed the missing cookies on a mischievous hobgoblin.
- The old stories tell of a hobgoblin that would hide people's shoes at night.
- In the fairy tale, a friendly hobgoblin helps the farmer in exchange for milk.
- Something that causes unnecessary fear or worry; a bugbear.
- The politician called the budget deficit a hobgoblin used to scare voters.
- For many students, the final exam becomes a hobgoblin that haunts their dreams.
- Don't let the fear of failure become a hobgoblin that stops you from trying.