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white elephant



Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Commercial flights have previously been hampered by wind conditions and the facility was labelled a "white elephant" by the Public Accounts Committee.

From BBC • Feb. 9, 2026

Lord Forsyth described the project as "a complete white elephant and a disaster" and Leader of the House Baroness Smith of Basildon called the situation "unacceptable".

From BBC • Oct. 15, 2025

But the IOC is sensitive about spiraling costs and potential white elephant projects, so is encouraging local organizers to use venues in other countries.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 29, 2024

Morales unveils his white elephant gift during a Nochebuena celebration at he and his husband’s home.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 27, 2023

On the page, red diamond-covered trailers passed by first, and each one advertised its contents: roaring lions and tigers, charging rhinos and furious hippos, and a majestic white elephant at the very end.

From "The Marvellers" by Dhonielle Clayton




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