PhrasesHub

A white elephant

    Definitions

      • discourage someone
        Advise against engaging in a particular activity or task, cautioning that it will not result in any positive outcome or benefit

      • valuable but burdensome
        Refers to something that is costly to maintain or difficult to dispose of, despite its initial value or appeal

    Examples of A white elephant

    • John's new business idea has turned out to be a white elephant. All the resources he invested in it have gone to waste, as there seem to be no buyers or interested parties.

      In this example, the phrase "white elephant" is used to describe John's business idea, which has become a financial burden on him. The expression "white elephant" refers to an object, project, or idea that is costly, difficult to dispose of, and ultimately unnecessary or impractical. In this instance, the business idea, despite John's efforts and investment, has failed to generate any revenue and has become a drain on his finances.

    • The local government's plan to build a luxurious sports complex in the middle of a deserted area of the city has become a white elephant. The project was supposed to attract tourism, but the complex has remained largely unused and expensive to maintain.

      In this example, the phrase "white elephant" is used to describe the sports complex, which has turned into a costly venture for the local government. Since the complex is located in a deserted area, it has failed to attract the intended crowd of tourists, leaving the authorities with a massive amount of debt and maintenance costs. The term "white elephant" highlights the fact that the project has become more of a burden than a benefit, consuming resources without providing any significant return on investment.

    • The product development team's latest invention, aimed at revolutionizing the market, has ended up being a white elephant. The product failed to live up to the hype and expectations and has since been discontinued due to lack of demand.

      In this example, the phrase "white elephant" is used to describe the inventive product, which promised great returns but ultimately fell short of expectations. The term "white elephant" illustrates the fact that the product, despite costly investment, did not generate significant results or generate a fair return on investment. In this context, the expression serves as a warning against over-reliance on overvalued, high-cost ideas without proper evaluation of their potential utilities and feasibility.

    • Charlie's business idea, centered around designing eco-friendly electric cars, was initially hailed as a stroke of genius. However, the expensive product, which failed to meet customer expectations, became a white elephant, leaving Charlie deep in debt.

      In this example, the term "white elephant" is used to describe the electric cars, which were designed with a focus on ecological benefits but lacked practicality and affordability. While the product was initially acclaimed, its high cost, coupled with its failure to meet customer needs, has left Charles with a significant financial burden. The expression "white elephant" serves as a reminder of the importance of balancing innovation and practicality in the development process.

    • The antique vase that my grandmother gifted me is turning out to be a white elephant.

      In this example, "white elephant" is being used as a metaphor for a possession that is costly to maintain but serves no practical purpose. The vase, which was supposed to be a cherished gift, has turned into a burden because it takes up a lot of space, requires special cleaning and care, and doesn't have any real value.

    • The proposal for a new building in the town square is turning into a white elephant.

      In this example, "white elephant" is being used to describe a project that is expensive and impractical. The new building was supposed to be a landmark for the town, but it has turned out to be a waste of resources because it is not generating any revenue, and the maintenance costs are too high.

    • The company's new product line is turning into a white elephant.

      In this example, "white elephant" is being used to describe a business venture that is failing to produce profits. The new product line was meant to be a game-changer for the company, but it has turned out to be a drain on resources because it is not generating enough sales to cover the production and marketing costs.

    • The charity event that we organized turned out to be a white elephant.

      In this example, "white elephant" is being used to describe an event that was unsuccessful. The charity event was supposed to be a fundraiser for a good cause, but it didn't attract enough donors, and the expenses outweighed the donations.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "a white elephant" can be used to discourage someone from a particular course of action or to describe something as valuable but burdensome.

    Origin of "A white elephant"

    The origin of the idiom "a white elephant" can be traced back to ancient Southeast Asia, where the rare and sacred white elephants were considered a sign of prosperity and good fortune. However, owning a white elephant also came with a significant financial burden, as they required special care and attention. In some cultures, it was even forbidden to put them to work, making it difficult to recoup the investment. As a result, the term "white elephant" came to be used to describe something that was valuable but burdensome to maintain.

    The idiom was later popularized in English literature and has since been used to refer to any possession or endeavor that is expensive or difficult to get rid of. It is commonly used in the context of real estate, where a property may be described as a "white elephant" if it is costly to maintain or if there are difficulties in finding a buyer.