false summit
Misleading mountain crest
A false summit is what appears to be the top of a mountain or hill but isn't—climbers reach it only to discover more ascent ahead.
The term extends to any goal that seems close but reveals further distance upon arrival: I thought I was almost done with the project, but it turned out to be a false summit.
Atmospheric optical deception
- illusionMisleading sensory impression
- optical illusionMisleading visual perception
- misperceptionIncorrect interpretation of reality
- misinterpretationIncorrect understanding of meaning
misjudgment · deception · distortion · semblance · façade · misleading · visual trickery
Failure to satisfy expectations
- anticlimaxDisappointing conclusion after buildup
- deflationSustained decrease in prices
- frustrationDispleasure from blocked efforts
- disillusionmentBitter loss of faith
discouragement · dashed hopes · setback · dismay · crestfallen · dispirited · emotional toll
Utmost height attained
- ridgeNarrow raised strip
- crestHighest point or tuft
- elevationHeight above reference point
- altitudeMeasured height above reference
ascent · scramble · traverse · plateau · prominence · pinnacle · outcrop · terrain
Firmness of purpose
- gritDetermination or abrasive particles
- resilienceCapacity to recover quickly
- enduranceSustained effort capacity
- tenacityPersistent grip or resolve
resolve · fortitude · patience · persistence · willpower · stamina · mental toughness · pushing through
Hiking path entrance
- backpackingSelf-supported wilderness travel
- trekkingLong-distance foot travel
- navigationDetermining position and course
- topographyPhysical feature mapping
waypoint · landmark · trail marker · overlook · GPS · contour lines · route finding · turnaround time
mirage
Atmospheric optical deception
- illusionMisleading sensory impression
- optical illusionMisleading visual perception
- misperceptionIncorrect interpretation of reality
misinterpretation · misjudgment · deception · distortion · semblance · façade · misleading · visual trickery
letdown
Failure to satisfy expectations
- anticlimaxDisappointing conclusion after buildup
- deflationSustained decrease in prices
- frustrationDispleasure from blocked efforts
disillusionment · discouragement · dashed hopes · setback · dismay · crestfallen · dispirited · emotional toll
peak
Utmost height attained
altitude · ascent · scramble · traverse · plateau · prominence · pinnacle · outcrop · terrain · expedition
determination
Firmness of purpose
- gritDetermination or abrasive particles
- resilienceCapacity to recover quickly
- enduranceSustained effort capacity
tenacity · resolve · fortitude · patience · persistence · willpower · stamina · mental toughness · pushing through · second wind
trailhead
Hiking path entrance
- backpackingSelf-supported wilderness travel
- trekkingLong-distance foot travel
- navigationDetermining position and course
topography · waypoint · landmark · trail marker · overlook · GPS · contour lines · route finding · turnaround time
- hikingtrail, hike, hiker, trails, day hikes
- hiking termshiking trails, trailhead, switchback, switchbacks, marker
- mountain featurespeaks, peak, ridges, slopes, crest
- mountain hikingmountain trails, ridgeline, trailhead, trail map, switchbacks
- mountain terrainpeak, ridge, slope, gorge, pass
- summitspeak, apex, pinnacle, zenith, top
false summittrue summit
Mountain's actual highest point
summit · peak · apex · pinnacle · mountaintop
false summitgoal
Desired end result
endpoint · terminus · finish · culmination · journey's end
false, summit, falsely, falseness, falsify, falsification, falsifier, falsity, falsified