Ein weißer Elefant
A possession that is expensive to maintain and difficult to dispose of but yields no benefit, or is even a burden
In German
Ein weißer Elefant
Literal Translation
Meaning
Equivalent:"A white elephant"
Origin:From the historical practice in Southeast Asian monarchies where albino elephants were considered sacred. Kings would sometimes gift them to courtiers they disliked, knowing the cost of their upkeep would ruin the recipient.
Example Sentences
Example Sentences- 1
Das neue Stadion ist zu groß und teuer, es ist ein weißer Elefant.
The new stadium is too big and expensive; it's a white elephant.
- 2
Der Oldtimer wurde zu einem weißen Elefanten, da die Reparaturen zu teuer waren.
The vintage car became a white elephant because the repairs were too expensive.
FAQ
How do you say "A possession that is expensive to maintain and difficult to dispose of but yields no benefit, or is even a burden" in German?
"A possession that is expensive to maintain and difficult to dispose of but yields no benefit, or is even a burden" in German is "Ein weißer Elefant" (ain vai-ser e-le-fant). Example: Das neue Stadion ist zu groß und teuer, es ist ein weißer Elefant..
