Take the 2-minute tour ×  Is there a word/metaphor/idiom for
something that has value, but is worthless (or even harmful) in
the current situation?  To use a couple of monetary examples:
1. A check for $1,000,000 has potential value, but unless you
can get to a bank that value is inaccessible.    2. A duffel bag
full of cash is also extremely valuable, but if you try to hang
onto it after being thrown from your speedboat in an explosion,
it will drag you to the bottom of the Long Island Sound.
share|improve this question This only works in certain
situations, and it is really an idiom with a somewhat different
meaning, but the thing can in some cases be akin to pearls
before swine. –  Janus Bahs Jacquet Apr 16 at 20:51 Reminds me
of albatross around the neck. –  Autoresponder Apr 17 at 2:58 I
think the term bitcoin would get the meaning conveyed. – 
RyeɃreḁd Apr 17 at 3:48 Well I can unequivocally say that the
word you're looking for is not ironic. –  Patrick M Apr 17 at
18:10  10 Answers 10  up vote 2 do