This site uses cookies. Some of these cookies are essential to the operation of the site, while others help to improve your experience by providing insights into how the site is being used. For more information, please see the ProZ.com privacy policy.
Cookie settings
  1. KudoZ™ Top
  2. English to Arabic
  3. Government / Politics

white elephant

Arabic translation: شيء عديم الفائدة

GLOSSARY ENTRY (DERIVED FROM QUESTION BELOW)
English term or phrase:white elephant
Arabic translation:شيء عديم الفائدة
Entered by: Amer al-Azem

02:17 Aug 9, 2002
English to Arabic translations [PRO]
Government / Politics / Politics
English term or phrase: white elephant
white elephant - something that is of little use or profit, especially something that is maintained at great expense. Some in Britain argue that the Falkland Islands, which Britain retained possession of after a war with Argentina in 1982, are a white elephant, because they cost a huge amount of money to defend, and yet they are very small and have only a tiny population.
Amer al-Azem
Palestine
Local time: 02:16
شيء أو أمر عديم القيمة
Explanation:
white elephant: Something that is more trouble than it is worth. this term is usually translated as:
شيء عديم القيمة

another meaning which doesn't apply here is:
ملك مكلف

White elephants were regarded as holy in ancient times in Thailand and other Asian countries. To keep a white elephant was a very expensive task, since you had to provide the elephant with special food, and provide access for people who wanted to come and worship it. If a Thai King became, for some reason, dissatisfied with a sub-king, he would give him a white elephant. The gift would, in most cases, ruin the recipient.


--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 2002-08-09 22:29:59 (GMT) Post-grading
--------------------------------------------------

it is Raghad, not Raghda! there is a big difference between them ya Amer!!
Selected response from:

Raghad
Local time: 02:16
Grading comment
I liked your explanation and definition, Raghda!
4 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer



Summary of answers provided
4شيء أو أمر عديم القيمة
Raghad


  

Answers


11 hrs   confidence: Answerer confidence 4/5Answerer confidence 4/5
شيء أو أمر عديم القيمة


Explanation:
white elephant: Something that is more trouble than it is worth. this term is usually translated as:
شيء عديم القيمة

another meaning which doesn't apply here is:
ملك مكلف

White elephants were regarded as holy in ancient times in Thailand and other Asian countries. To keep a white elephant was a very expensive task, since you had to provide the elephant with special food, and provide access for people who wanted to come and worship it. If a Thai King became, for some reason, dissatisfied with a sub-king, he would give him a white elephant. The gift would, in most cases, ruin the recipient.


--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 2002-08-09 22:29:59 (GMT) Post-grading
--------------------------------------------------

it is Raghad, not Raghda! there is a big difference between them ya Amer!!

Raghad
Local time: 02:16
PRO pts in category: 8
Grading comment
I liked your explanation and definition, Raghda!
Login to enter a peer comment (or grade)



Login or register (free and only takes a few minutes) to participate in this question.

You will also have access to many other tools and opportunities designed for those who have language-related jobs (or are passionate about them). Participation is free and the site has a strict confidentiality policy.

Return to KudoZ list

KudoZ™ translation help

The KudoZ network provides a framework for translators and others to assist each other with translations or explanations of terms and short phrases.

See also:
ProZ.com term search
Search millions of term translations
Close search
Term search
  • All of ProZ.com
  • Term search
  • Jobs
  • Forums
  • Multiple search