white elephant: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘white elephant’ mean?
The idiom white elephant refers to an object or property that is extremely expensive to maintain and difficult to sell or get rid of, often representing a burden or financial drain.
Idiom Explorer
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Unmasking Symbolic Secrets
The idiom "white elephant" is often used to describe something burdensome or of little value. It originated from the rare and sacred white elephants in Southeast Asia, which were considered highly valuable but also a financial burden to their owners. Nowadays, the idiom is used metaphorically to convey the idea of an expensive or unwanted possession.
One of the earliest references to the term "white elephant" can be traced back to ancient India, where these albino elephants were regarded as sacred and endowed with great significance. They were prestigious gifts given to royal families, believed to bring good luck and prosperity. However, owning a white elephant was far from a blessing as it required special care, constant food supply, and elaborate housing, all of which added significant financial strain.
The use of the term "white elephant" as a metaphor emerged in the English language during the 19th century. It gained popularity through its association with the extravagant and problematic gift-giving practices of the kings of Siam. They would present white elephants to individuals who had fallen out of favor or to rival kingdoms, knowing that the recipient would be burdened with the immense costs of taking care of the animal.
Over time, the idiom "white elephant" expanded beyond its original meaning of an actual elephant and began to be applied to any possession or venture that seemed desirable but ultimately turned out to be burdensome or costly. Today, the idiom is commonly used in various contexts such as financial, political, and social.
In the business world, a "white elephant" refers to a costly investment that fails to produce the expected returns. It is like a "money pit" where money is thrown in but no profit is generated. Similarly, in politics, a "white elephant" can describe an infrastructure project that drains public funds without delivering significant benefits. It is like a giant "baby elephant in the room" that everyone is aware of but chooses to ignore.
The idiomatic expression "white elephant" can be found in literature, film, and everyday conversations. It serves as a symbol of the complexities and uncertainties of human desires and aspirations. The idiom encapsulates the paradoxical nature of certain possessions or endeavors, which may appear valuable or desirable at first glance but ultimately burden their owners in unforeseen ways.
Example usage
1. The company's new headquarters turned out to be a white elephant, as it was too large and costly to maintain.
2. John received a white elephant as a gift, but he didn't know what to do with it because it was impractical and took up a lot of space.
3. The football team's star player has become a white elephant, as his high salary no longer matches his performance on the field.
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