story
Moby-Dick
The white whale as the obsession that destroys.
Origin
In Herman Melville's 1851 novel, Captain Ahab hunts the white whale that took his leg. His obsession sinks the ship and kills almost everyone aboard.
Modern usage
'My white whale' = the elusive target one chases against all reason. Used in investigation, business, dating, gaming.
Tags
obsession
pursuit