Understanding the Meaning of the Idiom 'White Elephant'
Discover what the idiom 'white elephant' means, its origins, and how it is used in everyday language.
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A white elephant refers to an expensive but useless or troublesome possession. The idiom originates from the historical practice of Siamese kings gifting rare white elephants that were costly to maintain, thereby burdening the recipient. This phrase is commonly used to describe an object or project that proves to be more trouble than it's worth.
FAQs & Answers
- What is the origin of the idiom white elephant? The idiom 'white elephant' originates from the historical practice of Siamese kings, who gifted rare white elephants to nobles as a sign of favor, which proved to be a burden due to their expensive maintenance.
- What does the term white elephant describe in modern usage? In modern usage, a 'white elephant' describes an object, project, or situation that is more trouble than it’s worth, often requiring more resources than it provides in return.
- Can you give an example of a white elephant project? An example of a white elephant project could be a large public building that requires excessive funding for maintenance and fails to attract enough visitors to justify its costs.
- Are there other idioms similar to white elephant? Yes, similar idioms include 'money pit,' which refers to an object that continually costs money to maintain, and 'albatross around one's neck,' which describes a burdensome problem or responsibility.