visions of glory; evanescent glory
A literary set phrase evoking the fleeting nature of worldly splendor and success, often with a Buddhist or historical overtone. Used to describe ambitions or past glories that fade like a dream.
In his youth, he left for the capital chasing visions of glory.
The dreams of glory of the Sengoku warlords are now nothing more than old tales.
A classical Japanese phrase combining 栄華 (glory, splendor) and 夢 (dream), reflecting the Buddhist-influenced theme of impermanence (無常) common in medieval literature.