white elephant meaning in Hindi

white elephant in SSC previous-year questions

1. SSC Selection Post Ph-12 2024 GL Idioms & Phrases

   Select the most appropriate idiom that can substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence.
   His old car has become a financial burden on him now.

   AAn eyesoreBA rare birdCAn apple of one’s eyeDA white elephant
   Answer & explanation

   Answer: D) A white elephant

   The most appropriate idiom to substitute the underlined segment "financial burden" in the sentence is:
   "A white elephant."
   Explanation:
   • "A white elephant" refers to something that is more trouble than it's worth, often expensive to maintain, and difficult to dispose of, much like a financial burden.
   • "An eyesore" refers to something unpleasant to look at, not related to a financial burden.
   • "A rare bird" refers to something or someone unique or unusual, not fitting in this context.
   • "An apple of one’s eye" refers to something or someone cherished or highly valued, which is the opposite of a burden.

2. SSC CHSL 2025 T-1 Idioms & Phrases

   Select the alternative which best expresses the meaning of idioms/phrases.
   A white elephant

   AAn extinct speciesBA useless possession which is extremely expensive to keepCSomeone belonging to a royal familyDAn endangered species
   Answer & explanation

   Answer: B) A useless possession which is extremely expensive to keep

   'A white elephant' is an idiom for a possession that is useless or troublesome, especially one that is expensive to maintain — something that costs more than it is worth and serves no practical purpose. The term originated from the sacred white elephants of Southeast Asia, which were so expensive to maintain that receiving one as a gift was burdensome. The correct answer is option 2: A useless possession which is extremely expensive to keep.

Examples

• “The abandoned stadium became a white elephant for the city government.”

white elephant – questions

What is the meaning of white elephant in Hindi?

white elephant means “बोझिल और निरर्थक वस्तु” in Hindi. In English: A possession that is costly to maintain but of little value or use.

What are the synonyms of white elephant?

Synonyms of white elephant: burden, useless asset, costly liability.

Has white elephant been asked in SSC exams?

Yes – white elephant has been asked 5 times in SSC exams: SSC CHSL 2025 T-1, SSC Selection Post Ph-12 2024 GL, SSC Selection Post Ph-12 2024, SSC GD 2022 T-1, SSC CHSL 2021 T-1.

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