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acknowledge the elephant in the room

/əkˈnɒlɪdʒ ði ˈɛlɪfənt ɪn ðə ruːm/
phrase★Intermediate— address an obvious problem or issue◆idiom
◆ What It Really Means
To openly address an obvious problem or issue that people are avoiding or ignoring.
¶ Literal Meaning
To admit the presence of a large animal in a room.
Literal Breakdown
acknowledgeto admit or accept+the elephanta large animal+in the roominside a room
◇ Mental Image
The mental picture of an elephant in a room that everyone notices but avoids discussing.
◈ When to Use
During a team meeting, the manager acknowledges the elephant in the room by discussing the company's financial struggles that everyone had been avoiding.
◉ Cultural Note
This idiom reflects the cultural tendency to avoid uncomfortable topics and the importance of addressing them openly.
informal

To openly address an obvious problem or issue that people are avoiding or ignoring.

At the meeting, the manager acknowledged the elephant in the room by admitting the company was struggling.

He openly discussed the company's difficulties that everyone had been avoiding.

She decided to acknowledge the elephant in the room and talk about her divorce.

She chose to openly address her divorce, which had been a sensitive topic.

💡

This idiom is often used in situations where a significant issue is being ignored or avoided.

Collocations

address the elephant in the roomto openly discuss an obvious problem

Synonyms

address the issueconfront the problemface the reality

Antonyms

ignore the problemavoid the issuesweep under the rug

Related Phrases

sweep under the rugidiom
to hide or ignore a problem
bury one's head in the sandidiom
to avoid dealing with a problem

💡Pro Tip

Usage Context

Use this phrase when you want to emphasize the importance of addressing an obvious but avoided issue.

⚡Gold Rule

Directness

This idiom encourages directness and honesty in communication.

📖Word Origin

The phrase originates from the idea that an elephant in a room would be impossible to ignore, yet people often avoid discussing obvious problems.

📝Usage Notes

This idiom is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to highlight the need to address overlooked or avoided issues.

Word Breakdown

acknowledge
to accept or admit
root
+
the elephant in the room
an obvious problem that is being ignored
metaphor
English Dictionary

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