: Today, the term is often applied to massive, failed infrastructure projects like empty stadiums or underused airports. 4. Educational Fables (Class 8 English)
If your essay is about English idioms, a "white elephant" refers to a , especially one that is expensive to maintain.
: In the story, the hills resemble white elephants, representing something valuable yet unwanted—symbolizing the unborn child and the "elephant in the room" (the decision regarding an abortion) that the couple avoids naming directly. White Elephant subtitles English
If you are writing an essay for a literature class, you are likely analyzing Ernest Hemingway’s short story.
: The term comes from ancient Siam (modern Thailand). Legend says the King would gift sacred white elephants to courtiers he disliked; because the animals were holy, they couldn't be put to work but cost a fortune to feed, eventually bankrupting the owner. : Today, the term is often applied to
: You can find deeper thematic breakdowns and video explanations on sites like YouTube . 2. BBC Learning English: "The White Elephant"
: The story is a prime example of Hemingway’s "Iceberg Theory," where the most significant parts of the story remain hidden beneath the surface of the dialogue. : In the story, the hills resemble white
: You can watch episodes with English subtitles and read full transcripts on the BBC Learning English website to improve listening and speaking skills. 3. Idiom Analysis: What is a "White Elephant"?