{"id":9374,"date":"2023-09-02T05:16:53","date_gmt":"2023-09-02T05:16:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/leverageedu.com\/explore\/?p=9374"},"modified":"2023-09-02T05:16:53","modified_gmt":"2023-09-02T05:16:53","slug":"white-elephant-idiom-meaning-with-example","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/leverageedu.com\/explore\/idioms\/white-elephant-idiom-meaning-with-example\/","title":{"rendered":"White Elephant Idiom Meaning, Synonyms with Examples"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The idiom \u201cwhite elephant\u201d refers to something that is expensive to maintain or possess, but it has little or no use or value. It often implies that the item or project is burdensome or impractical. This idiom is often used to describe investments, properties, or possessions that are more trouble than they are worth<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also Read:<\/strong> 150 Common: Difficult Idioms with Example<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Usage with Examples<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The idiom \u201cwhite elephant\u201d is often used to describe something that is costly to maintain or possess, but provides little or no value. Here are some examples:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. The old, historic mansion was a beautiful white elephant; it cost a fortune to maintain, but no one wanted to live in it.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. The expensive sports car became a white elephant for him as he rarely drove it and the maintenance costs were exorbitant.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. The massive, ornate chandelier in the ballroom was a real white elephant; it was impressive but impossible to clean or repair.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. The company\u2019s purchase of the state-of-the-art machinery turned out to be a white elephant, as it quickly became obsolete, and they couldn\u2019t find a use for it.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    These examples illustrate situations where something valuable or impressive becomes burdensome due to its cost, impracticality, or lack of utility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Also Read: Useful Idioms for IELTS Exams That Will Boost Your Score<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Synonyms and Similar Words to White Elephant\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Here are some synonyms and similar words to \u201cwhite elephant\u201d:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    • Burden<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Problem<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Costly endeavor<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Useless possession<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Millstone<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Deadweight<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Drain on resources<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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