The phrase 'A white elephant’ refers to:
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
The idiom "a white elephant" refers to a possession that is extremely expensive to maintain but provides very little practical value or usefulness to its owner.
Origin: The term originates from the ancient kings of Siam (now Thailand). They would gift rare white elephants to subordinates they disliked. Because the animals were sacred, they could not be put to work, and the massive cost of their care would often ruin the recipient financially.
Modern Usage: Today, it is used to describe large-scale projects, buildings, or expensive personal items that are seen as a waste of money and resources.
Example: The new city stadium has become a white elephant because it is rarely used but costs millions of dollars to maintain every year.