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a 'white elephant' is a useless gift that noone wants. neither point stands in these cases. that said, you don't have to like them.
by cat199 9y ago
a 'white elephant' is a useless gift that noone wants.
neither point stands in these cases.
that said, you don't have to like them.
- _sdegutis 9y agoThat's not the definition that I learned: a white elephant is an unnecessary luxury with limited utility that you can't obtain and maintain unless you're pretty far from being in need. That's what I meant here.
- ubernostrum 9y agoThe alleged origin is a king who gave them as gifts, knowing they had no practical use and hoping the cost of feeding and caring for them would bankrupt the recipients.
- deerpig 9y agoFrom Thailand. Elephants are sacred there, especially white elephants. So if someone gave you a white elephant you could not refuse or get rid of it without causing offense.
- deleted 9y ago[deleted]