white elephant

white elephant

n.

1.

a. A rare, expensive possession that is a financial burden to maintain.

b. Something of dubious or limited value.

2. An article, ornament, or household utensil no longer wanted by its owner.

3. An endeavor or venture that proves to be a conspicuous failure.

4. A rare whitish or light-gray form of the Asian elephant, often regarded with special veneration in regions of southeast Asia and India.

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white elephant

Noun

a possession that is unwanted by its owner

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	white elephant - a valuable possession whose upkeep is excessively expensive possession - anything owned or possessed
	2.	white elephant - albinic Indian elephant; rare and sometimes venerated in east Asia Elephas maximus, Indian elephant - Asian elephant having smaller ears and tusks primarily in the male

Translations

white elephant n (fig) → maula

white elephant n (fig) → objet dispendieux et superflu

white elephant white n (fig) (= venture); Fehlinvestition f

white elephant n (fig) → oggetto (or progetto) costoso ma inutile