Noun
/waɪt ænts/
"White ants" is a colloquial term primarily used in some English-speaking countries to refer to termites, which are social insects known for their wood-eating habits. Although they are not true ants, termites share some characteristics with ants. They are primarily destructive pests in both residential and agricultural settings, known for their ability to cause significant structural damage to buildings and penetrate wood materials.
"White ants" is less common in formal written contexts but is often used in everyday conversation, particularly in Australia and parts of Africa and Asia where termites are a significant issue.
The house was infested with white ants, leading to costly repairs.
La casa estaba infestada de termitas, lo que llevó a costosas reparaciones.
During the rainy season, white ants become more active and can damage many structures.
Durante la temporada de lluvias, las termitas se vuelven más activas y pueden dañar muchas estructuras.
To prevent white ants, we need to regularly inspect the wooden parts of the house.
Para prevenir las termitas, debemos inspeccionar regularmente las partes de madera de la casa.
Although "white ants" is not traditionally found in many idiomatic expressions, the term "white ant" is sometimes used metaphorically in various contexts to refer to someone who undermines or secretly damages something.
He was the white ant in the team, quietly saboteur our plans.
Él era la hormiga blanca en el equipo, saboteando silenciosamente nuestros planes.
Meeting with a white ant is like building a house of cards; it will fall apart eventually.
Reunirse con una hormiga blanca es como construir una casa de naipes; eventualmente se desmoronará.
Don’t be a white ant; support your colleagues instead of undermining their efforts.
No seas una hormiga blanca; apoya a tus colegas en lugar de socavar sus esfuerzos.
The term "white ant" has its roots in the late 19th century. The name stems from the pale, light-colored body of certain termite species, which makes them visually distinct, resembling ants but not being taxonomically related. The reference to "ants" likely arose from their similar social structure and behaviors.
In summary, "white ants" a colloquial term for termites, highlights their destructive nature, is commonly used in oral speech, and shares some metaphorical idiomatic uses while being rooted in descriptive biological characteristics.