What does white elephant mean Meaning and Definition
What does white elephant mean
Pronunciation
/ˈwaɪt ˈɛlɛfənt/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A white elephant is a noun that refers to a project or a thing that is expensive to maintain or support, often with little practical value or tangible benefits.
Examples
- The company invested a large sum of money in a failed startup, which ended up being a white elephant.
- The government spending on a new highway project has become a white elephant, with no sign of completion.
Synonyms
- Money pit
- Waste of resources
Antonyms
- Stable investment
- Profitable venture
Etymology
The term “white elephant” originates from the legend that in the 16th century, King Rama V of Siam (now Thailand) presented a white albino elephant to each of his mandarins, which meant that they would soon be dismissed from their positions.
Usage Notes
In informal contexts, white elephant can be used to describe anything that is costly, yet lacks value or utility.
Cultural References
In popular culture, white elephant is often associated with the phrase “white elephant gift,” where a person gives a humorous or eccentric gift that is unwanted or has no practical use.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- “White elephant gift”
- “White elephant project”
Related Words or Phrases
- Loss leader
- Money sink
Collocations
White elephant often collocates with words such as “expense”, “cost”, “maintenance”, “project”, “venture”, and “investment”.
Frequency of Use
usage of the term “white elephant” has increased in modern language, particularly in the context of business and finance.
Common Misspellings
- What does whit elephant mean
- What does wite elephant mean