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
Costing £250m, it was substantially cheaper than Supertram but critics said it lacked ambition, while others branded it a costly white elephant, noting that nowhere else in the UK had built a new trolleybus line.
From BBC • Jun. 7, 2025
The IOC is sensitive about spiraling costs and potential white elephant projects, so encourages local organizers to use venues in other countries.
From Seattle Times • Jan. 18, 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
