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.

"This was meant to be essential works to keep a cherished, historic building safe and functioning. It has turned into a basket case white elephant project."

From BBC • Feb. 17, 2026

During a debate in the House of Lords, Conservative peer Lord Forsyth called the project a "complete white elephant and a disaster".

From BBC • Jun. 12, 2025

At the end of his storyline, there’s a disorienting creative decision that nearly addresses the white elephant in the room: the question of who belongs in this community.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 13, 2025

According to Buddhist lore, when she conceived, the queen dreamed that an auspicious white elephant entered her womb.

From Seattle Times • May 11, 2024

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