What does it mean to 'tilt at windmills"?

Question

I'd like to know what this expression means, it was once said of Don Quixote in olden times. so in modern times, wondered what is meant by it?

Answer 1

To engage in conflict with an imagined opponent, a waste of time and energy.

Answer 2

Why are you asking this question in the Travel- Italy section?  You should try Education and Reference-- Words and Wordplay.

Answer 3

While it's true that it means to fight imaginary foes (Don Quixote imagined that windmills were monsters and attempted to joust with them), there is an air of nobility to the futile nature of the battle.  Quixote was a hero, in spite of his misguidedness.