How to create a list or tuple of empty lists in Python?

result = [list(someListOfElements) for _ in xrange(x)]

This will make x distinct lists, each with a copy of someListOfElements list (each item in that list is by reference, but the list its in is a copy).

If it makes more sense, consider using copy.deepcopy(someListOfElements)

Generators and list comprehensions and things are considered quite pythonic.