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White Elephant
White Elephant
White Elephant : Phrases
Meaning:
Something which is a liability - more trouble than it's worth.
Example:
The London Bridge became a white elephant. The bridge was relocated to Havasu City Arizona where it now remains as a tourist attraction.
Origin:
From the Burmese belief that albino elephants are sacred. They can't be used for work and they must be lavished with the ultimate amount of care. If the King of Siamh wished to get rid of a particular courtier, he gave a gift of a white elephant. The courtier dared not offend the King with a refusal although he was fully aware that the cost of upkeep of such an animal was ruinous.