What does the idiom a white elephant mean?

/ˌwaɪt ˈel.ɪ.fənt/ [ usually singular ] disapproving. something that is expensive, or that costs a lot of money to keep in good condition, but that has no useful purpose and is no longer wanted: She believes the development may become a white elephant that fails to attract suitable tenants.

What is an example of a white elephant?

Some of the best examples of white elephants are the Empire State Building, the Ryugyong Hotel, and the Sprint Center. The Empire State Building, after its completion, took over 2 decades to start making profits. The building never achieved the purpose for which it was built, to be an office building.

How do you use white elephant in a sentence?

It was a bit of a white elephant really, as restaurants tend to be. If we weren't there, it would end up being a white elephant. It would have turned a white elephant into a vibrant enterprise.

What is a synonym for white elephant?

albatross. ball and chain. burden. burthen. more trouble than it's worth.

What is the opposite of white elephant?

The point of White Elephant is to buy something ridiculous, whereas Yankee Swap is essentially the same gift-exchange process but with more useful gifts. Everyone brings in something and each person draws a number.

White Elephant Meaning | Most Common English Idioms | #15

Is the term white elephant offensive?

No, there is no racial implication. A “white elephant” is something you have, but don't want, and can't dispose of. The expression comes from a story about Siam (Thailand). White elephants (which occur in nature, but are rare) are regarded as sacred by the Thai people.

What does the idiom pink elephant mean?

: hallucinations arising especially from heavy drinking or use of narcotics.

What does purple elephant mean?

About this campaign

The symbolism of Alzheimer's is the color purple and an elephant. Purple is the most recognizable color out of the color wheel. It tends to be the last color that Alzheimer's patients forget. The elephant is a symbol because that is the only animal that will never forget anything.

What does blue elephant mean?

The Blue Elephant in the Room is a national anti-stigma campaign designed to address the stigma associated with mental Illness. Displaying a blue elephant shows that you care about the wellness of others and demonstrates that this is a safe place to talk about mental illness, without fear of being viewed differently.

What does Silver elephant mean?

Silver Elephant Statue for Home Vastu- Direction and Benefits. A silver elephant is pious and brings blessings. It brings a lot of wealth and luxury to your home and business. Keeping a silver elephant covered in a red cloth in your safe will attract lots of wealth and prosperity.

What is Dirty Santa vs white elephant?

A White Elephant Gift Exchange is a popular Christmas event where people vie to walk away with the best present. It also goes by Yankee Swap, Dirty Santa, and a plethora of other names.

What is the origin of white elephant?

In the West, the term "white elephant", relating to an expensive burden that fails to meet expectations, was first used in the 17th century and became widespread in the 19th century.

What does elephant mean in slang?

drunk; intoxicated. Word origin. C20: shortened from elephant's trunk, rhyming slang for drunk.

What does the term pink elephant in room mean?

"Seeing pink elephants" is a euphemism for hallucinations caused by delirium tremens or alcoholic hallucinosis, especially the former. The term dates back to at least the early 20th century, emerging from earlier idioms about seeing snakes and other creatures.

What does it mean to call a girl a fox?

US, Slang. a person, esp. a woman, who is attractive, esp. sexually attractive.

What does green jade elephant mean?

Jade elephants are considered symbols of good fortune that bring many positive characteristics or powers. Used as talismans, jewelry or to increase a room's feng shui, jade elephants symbolize the ability to strengthen power, love, and luck.

What is the evil version of Santa called?

Krampus is basically the anti-St. Nicholas, the opposite of Santa Claus. He's a fugly mythical creature usually depicted with similar features as the devil. He has body hair, horns, hooves, and fangs.

Why do they call it a Yankee Swap?

One disputed origin theory dates the name “Yankee Swap” to the Civil War, when Yankee and Confederate generals would engage in informal prisoner swaps.

Who is the evil version of Santa?

Krampus is the counterpart to Santa Claus. He is a devil figure that scares naughty children back onto the path of good behavior. The legend originated in European Alpine folklore where he would descend from the mountains.

What does a brass elephant mean?

Brass elephants statue Vastu direction

Placing brass elephants in the meeting room brings peace and prosperity at the workplace. In addition, it also works to give success in every sphere of life.

What does a gold elephant symbolize?

The elephant is generally considered a symbol of good luck and the animal is a symbol of good fortune. Elephant jewelry is commonly believed to bring luck to the person who is wearing it and makes a great gift for wishing someone luck with something.

What does Black elephant symbolize?

A black elephant is a cross between “a black swan” — an unlikely, unexpected event with enormous ramifications — and the “elephant in the room” — a looming disaster that is visible to everyone, yet no one wants to address."

What do red elephants symbolize?

A white elephant is a representation of luxury, money, and unadulterated riches. While a black elephant loves money and success, a red elephant redefines and welcomes utter renown and notoriety. A green elephant can be maintained within the home to attract powerful and lucky energy.

What do 3 elephants symbolize?

I have heard that in Columbia, it is a tradition to have three elephants in a room in order to represent good luck: one you bought, one that was given to you and one that you stole. The statues can be made of all types of materials such as glass, ceramic or even wood.

What does an elephant at the front door mean?

Elephant figurines placed inside the front door, near the home's entrance, have two meanings. An elephant statue in the foyer facing away from the door brings luck into the home. An elephant facing toward protects the house. It guards your home against all sorts of negative energy.