Select the alternative which best expresses the meaning of idioms/phrases. A white elephant
A useless possession which is extremely expensive to keep
An idiom carries a fixed figurative meaning, so 'a white elephant' should not be read by the literal sense of the two words.
Figuratively, the phrase names something you own that is more of a burden than a benefit: it is useless or troublesome yet very costly to keep or maintain.
The origin explains the sense: kings of Siam (Thailand) were said to gift a rare white elephant to a courtier they disliked; the animal was sacred, could not be worked or sold, and its upkeep ruined the owner.
So the defining features are 'no real use' plus 'expensive to maintain', which points straight to option 2.
'An extinct species' and 'an endangered species' take the elephant literally as an animal and ignore the figurative meaning.
'Someone belonging to a royal family' wrongly links the phrase to the royal gift-giver rather than to the costly, useless possession.
Hence the phrase means A useless possession which is extremely expensive to keep.
Similar Questions
Select the alternative which best expresses the meaning of idioms/phrases.
To take the bull by the horns
Choose the correct meaning of the idiom: Every nook and cranny
Choose the correct meaning of the idiom: Tread on your toes
Choose the correct meaning of the idiom: Out and about
Choose the correct meaning of the idiom: On the same wavelength
Fill in the blank with the most appropriate idiom:
His sudden resignation caught everyone _______.
Choose the correct meaning of the idiom:
The icing on the cake
Select the alternative which best expresses the meaning of idioms/phrases.
Look before you leap
Choose the correct meaning of the idiom: Sit on the fence
Choose the correct meaning of the idiom: See eye to eye
Important Questions from Phrase or Idiom Meaning
Direction: Given below are some idioms/phrases followed by four alternative meanings to each. Choose the response (a), (b), (c) or (d) which is the most appropriate expression.
A match made in heaven
Direction: Given below are some idioms/phrases followed by four alternative meanings to each. Choose the response (a), (b), (c) or (d) which is the most appropriate expression.
A culture vulture
Direction: Given below are some idioms/phrases followed by four alternative meanings to each. Choose the response (a), (b), (c) or (d) which is the most appropriate expression.
A death blow
Direction:Given below are some idioms/phrases followed by four alternative meanings to each. Choose the response (a), (b), (c) or (d) which is the most appropriate expression.
The jewel in the crown
Direction: Given below are some idioms/phrases followed by four alternative meanings to each. Choose the response (a), (b), (c) or (d) which is the most appropriate expression.
To live in a fool's paradise
