great white hope

Definitions

1. A highly skilled white/Caucasian challenger for leadership in a field whose top ranks are dominated by non-Caucasians; especially a field which was once dominated by white Caucasians, and is now dominated by those of black-African descent.
2. A person expected to succeed and bring prestige to their native group.

Examples

“The arrest of Christo — who three times has run⟳ unsuccessfully for selectperson in Provincetown and who has been a leading proponent of the proposal to establish⟳ a [gay] community radio station here — caused the biggest stir⟳. Considered once by many to be Provincetown's "liberal great white hope⟳," his political career is now in doubt⟳.”

CEFR level