white hope

American  

noun

1. a person who is expected to accomplish much in a given field.

   the white hope of the American theater.

2. Sports.  (formerly) a white man who had a good chance of winning the heavyweight boxing championship from a Black man.

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white hope British  

noun

1. informal  a person who is expected to bring honour or glory to his group, team, etc

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Etymology

Origin of white hope

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

Professional boxing is where the concept of the great white hope — and the Black villain — gained traction.

From Salon

They are pitied by white liberals, resented by white nationalists and entirely absent in conversations about the next great white hope for rock.

From Los Angeles Times

As she told Religion News Service, she was disheartened that Trump ascended to become "the banner, the poster child for the great white hope of evangelicalism, the salvation of the church in America."

From Salon

“He became the banner, the poster child for the great white hope of evangelicalism, the salvation of the church in America,” she said.

From Seattle Times

If I try really hard, I can imagine what those Trumpers must feel, as the reign of their great white hope nears its end.

From Los Angeles Times