What does “Great white hope” mean?
"Great white hope" means a person or thing that is expected to bring hope or success.
What context can I use the in?
Example
The new CEO is seen as the company's great white hope for turning things around.
Example
The team's star player is considered the great white hope for winning the championship.
Example
The new technology is being hailed as the great white hope for solving the world's energy crisis
Is “Great white hope” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Great white hope” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Great white hope” effectively in context?
You can use "Great white hope" to describe someone or something that is seen as the potential savior or solution in a particular situation. Here are three distinct situations where you can effectively use the phrase:
- 1Business
The new CEO is seen as the company's great white hope for turning things around.
- 2Sports
The team's star player is considered the great white hope for winning the championship.
- 3Technology
The new technology is being hailed as the great white hope for solving the world's energy crisis.
Similar phrases to “Great white hope”:
Game-changer
Something or someone that significantly alters the current situation or outcome
Example
The new technology is a game-changer in the healthcare industry, revolutionizing patient care.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Great white hope” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Great white hope" can be traced back to the early 20th century. It originated from the world of boxing, specifically during the heavyweight championship fight between Jack Johnson, an African American boxer, and James J. Jeffries, a white boxer. Jeffries was seen as the 'great white hope' who would defeat Johnson and restore the title to the white race. However, Johnson won the fight, and the phrase has since evolved to refer to any person or thing that is expected to bring hope or success.
Is “Great white hope” common in everyday conversation?
The phrase "Great white hope" is not as commonly used in everyday conversation compared to some other idioms. However, it is still recognizable and understood by many English speakers, especially those familiar with its historical origins in boxing.
What tone does “Great white hope” have?
"Great white hope" conveys a tone of expectation and anticipation. It implies that the person or thing being referred to is highly regarded and believed to have the potential to bring about positive change or success.
Can “Great white hope” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "Great white hope" is generally used in informal conversations and may not be suitable for formal or professional settings. It is more commonly used in casual discussions among friends, colleagues, or sports enthusiasts.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
The phrase "Great white hope" is typically used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'The new product is our great white hope for boosting sales.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'He's our great white hope!' to imply high expectations for someone.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- savior
- key player
- hopeful prospect
- promising solution
- ray of hope
Antonyms
- disappointment
- lost cause
- hopeless situation
- failed attempt
