The white elephant in the room

This little ditty was spoken at a meeting last week all the way from Afghanistan.  It is a mash up of “elephant in the room” (obvious truth that is either being ignored or going unaddressed) and “white elephant” (a burdensome possession whose costs outweigh its value).  The crackerjack research team at Malaphors HQ (my “ol’ pal”) tells me there are few, if any, elephants in Afghanistan, much less white elephants.  Tip of the toque to Jim Washabaugh, loyal malaphor follower, for sending me this gem.