white elephant

Meaning

Noun

• An albino elephant.
• A possession that is unwanted or is a financial burden; an unprofitable investment.

Origin

• 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.