white hope

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Explanation of "White Hope"

Definition: The term "white hope" (noun) refers to a person or thing that is expected to achieve great success in a specific area or field. It often implies that the person or thing is seen as a savior or a solution to a problem.

Advanced Usage:

In advanced contexts, "white hope" can be used to discuss societal expectations, especially relating to issues of race, class, or cultural representation. It can also be used ironically to highlight unrealistic expectations placed on individuals.

Word Variants:

• There aren’t direct variants of "white hope," but related terms include "savior," "champion," or "messiah," which can imply a similar meaning of someone expected to bring success or change.

Different Meanings:

• The term "white hope" originally comes from boxing history, where it referred to a white boxer seen as a potential champion in a sport dominated by African American athletes. Today, it is used more broadly to describe anyone or anything viewed as a potential success.

Synonyms:

• Savior
• Champion
• Star
• Promising candidate
• Hopeful

Related Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• "Last hope": This idiom refers to the last person or thing that someone believes can resolve a problem.

  • Example: "She was the last hope for the team to win the tournament."

• "Hold out hope": This means to maintain a belief that something positive will happen.

  • Example: "He continues to hold out hope that he will be selected for the role."

Conclusion:

In summary, "white hope" is a term used to express high expectations for someone's success in a specific field. It can be used in various contexts and is related to themes of aspiration and societal expectations.

Academic

Noun

1. someone (or something) expected to achieve great success in a given field
   • this company is the great white hope of the nuclear industry's waste management policy

Synonyms

• great white hope