will o' the wisp
chase rainbows
set one's cap at
impossible dream
defeat
frustration
nisus
in one's sights
game
tactics
go after
manoeuvre
tactic
maneuver
nongoal
goalodicy
success
manque
vision
goalward
indirectness
eccentric
goalless
aspire
course of action
hitch one's wagon to a star
for it
ideal-seeking behavior
high hopes
would-be
counterproductive
idealist
plan
quest
driven
fair game
tantalizing
tantalising
manoeuver
subgoal
straightness
with an eye towards
teleogenetic
directness
cause
with an eye to
overkill
means to an end
cold water
ambitionate
purpose
aim
objective
target
place
object
other fish in the sea
point
direct
nonachievement
nonaccomplishment
unfulfilled
not give much for someone's chances
tug
think big
push
goal setting
strategy
labour
labor
make an effort
drive
distal goal
ambition
work
Tower of Babel
game plan
manage
pull off
advancement
forward motion
onward motion
carry off
advance
egocentrism
reach for the stars
whore
procession
if the mountain won't come to Muhammad
negociate
bring off