Ivory tusks

Meaning: This means that the elephants have long, pointed teeth, or tusks, that are made of a hard, white material called ivory.

Choice of Words: Ivory is a hard, white material that comes from an elephant's tusks. Tusks are the long, pointed teeth that elephants have. These words highlight another distinctive feature of elephants.

Alternative Expressions

White elephant tusks

Meaning: This refers to the valuable white material that comes from the tusks of white elephants. White elephants are considered sacred in some cultures.

Choice of Words: White is a color that is often associated with purity and innocence. Elephant is a large, powerful animal that is native to Africa and Asia. Tusks are the long, curved teeth that elephants have. When you put them together, "White elephant tusks" refers to the valuable material that comes from the tusks of white elephants.

Related Expressions