white elephant

名词 n.
中文释义

英文释义

名词 n.
  1. A possession that is unwanted or is a financial burden; an unprofitable investment. figuratively
    — South Australia's "white elephant" was really going to prove a valuable possession after all!
  2. Ellipsis of white elephant exchange. abbreviation,alt-of,ellipsis
  3. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see white, elephant.

词形变化

white elephants plural

词汇关系

衍生词
white elephant exchange white elephant gift white elephant sale
相关词
boondoggle

词源

In Siam, elephants were working animals. However, white (albino) elephants were considered sacred and therefore were not to be put to work. The owner was then left to feed the elephant but could get no work from it. It is said that the King of Siam used to make a present of a white elephant to courtiers he wanted to ruin.
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