<P> The phrase seeing the elephant is an Americanism which refers to gaining experience of the world at a significant cost . It was a popular expression of the mid to late 19th century throughout the United States in the Mexican -- American War , the Texan Santa Fe Expedition , the American Civil War , the 1849 Gold Rush , and the Westward Expansion Trails ( Oregon Trail , California Trail , Mormon Trail ) . </P>
<P> The phrase seeing the elephant is an Americanism which refers to gaining experience of the world at a significant cost . It was a popular expression of the mid to late 19th century throughout the United States in the Mexican -- American War , the Texan Santa Fe Expedition , the American Civil War , the 1849 Gold Rush , and the Westward Expansion Trails ( Oregon Trail , California Trail , Mormon Trail ) . </P>
what does going to see the elephant mean
what does going to see the elephant mean
gaining experience of the world at a significant cost
gaining experience of the world at a significant cost