white knight
The term "white knight" originates from chivalric tales, but it has diverse meanings in modern contexts including business, heroism, and online behavior.
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Definition
C1Business
(technical)An entity that acquires a company to prevent it from being taken over by an unfriendly bidder.
Example
- The struggling company was saved from a hostile takeover by a white knight.
B2General
(figurative)A person who rescues or supports someone in need.
Example
- He was seen as a white knight for helping the community during the crisis.
B2Internet
(informal, derogatory)A person who defends someone, often to gain favor, especially in online debates.
Example
- He was labeled a white knight for defending her in the heated online discussion.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "white knight":
black knightknight servicewhite hatgood guycarpet knightknight of the roadwhite night