White elephant Meaning in English
expression
Definition
A white elephant is something that costs a lot of money but is not useful, or is difficult and expensive to maintain, like a building, project, or gift that becomes a burden.
Usage & Nuances
Used mainly in business or casual conversation, often about failed projects, unwanted expensive gifts, or things that become more trouble than they're worth. It does NOT refer to actual elephants. There is also a 'white elephant gift exchange,' a party game with silly or unwanted gifts.
Example Sentences
The empty stadium became a white elephant after the games ended.
basic
This expensive machine is a white elephant because no one uses it.
basic
The huge shopping mall turned into a white elephant after most stores closed.
basic
My uncle gave me an antique piano, but it's just a white elephant in my small apartment.
natural
That bridge project turned into a real white elephant—they spent millions but no one uses it.
natural
We had a white elephant gift exchange at the office holiday party and everyone laughed at the silly presents.
natural