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the elephant in the room
/ði ˈɛləfənt ɪn ðə ruːm/◆idiom
obvious problem ignored
Everyone at the meeting avoided mentioning the elephant in the room: the company was nearly bankrupt.
The phrase refers to a major issue that everyone is aware of but no one wants to discuss.
informal
An obvious problem or controversial issue that people avoid discussing due to its sensitivity or discomfort.
The team knew about the project's delays, but no one brought up the elephant in the room during the meeting.
The delays were an obvious problem that everyone avoided mentioning.
In her family, mental health was the elephant in the room that no one ever talked about.
Mental health issues were a significant problem that the family ignored.
The idiom implies deliberate avoidance rather than mere oversight.
Collocations
ignore the elephant in the roomto avoid discussing an obvious problemaddress the elephant in the roomto confront and discuss an obvious problem
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Avoiding Misuse
Do not use this idiom to describe a problem that is simply unknown or overlooked. It specifically refers to a problem that is deliberately ignored despite being obvious.
Gold Rule
When to Use
Use 'the elephant in the room' only when the problem is both obvious and deliberately avoided. It is not suitable for minor or unknown issues.
Word Origin
The phrase likely originates from the 19th-century American proverb 'There is an elephant in the room,' referring to an obvious but ignored presence. It gained popularity in the 20th century as a metaphor for unspoken issues.
Usage Notes
Use this idiom in social, professional, or familial contexts to describe a problem that everyone knows exists but avoids discussing. It often carries a negative connotation, implying avoidance or denial.
English Dictionary