white knight

noun

1. a hero who comes to the rescue.
2. a beleaguered champion who fights heroically for a cause, as in politics.
3. Informal. a company that comes to the rescue of another, as to prevent a takeover.

white knight

noun

1. a champion or rescuer, esp a person or organization that rescues a company from financial difficulties, an unwelcome takeover bid, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of white knight¹

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

Ironically, Sony was Zee’s white knight then and its merger deal helped calm down Invesco, which has since pared most of its stake in the Indian company.

From Seattle Times

Gutierrez said the museum would need one or more key philanthropists — what she called “white knights” — to ride to its financial rescue.

From New York Times

Meanwhile, SEC commissioner Greg Sankey has been cast as the sport’s white knight, pushing for expansion because it was in the best interest of all parties.

From Seattle Times

At rallies, protests and news conferences, in newspaper advertisements and on social media, the foundation has billed itself as a white knight in the battle against homelessness.

From Los Angeles Times

Bankman-Fried emerges as the cryptocurrency sector's so-called "white knight" amid a collapse in the prices of Bitcoin and other digital assets.

From Reuters

Related Words

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