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The elephant in the room

UK //ði ˈɛlɪfənt ɪn ðə ruːm//US //ðə ˈɛlɪfənt ɪn ðə ruːm//

Definition

A significant issue that is obvious but not acknowledged.

In simple words: A big problem that people avoid discussing.

Examples

  • During the meeting, everyone avoided discussing the elephant in the room: layoffs.
  • Let’s address the elephant in the room; we need to talk about the budget cuts.
  • Ignoring the elephant in the room will only make things worse in our relationship.
  • Everyone knows about the elephant in the room, but no one wants to bring it up.
  • She finally pointed out the elephant in the room at the dinner table, and everyone fell silent.

Usage notes

Used in discussions to highlight issues everyone is aware of but nobody wants to address. Suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but may feel too informal in some professional settings.

Grammar pattern

standalone expression

Memory hint

Imagine a large elephant standing in a small room, everyone sees it but ignores it.

Collocations

  • address the elephant in the room
  • ignore the elephant in the room
  • point out the elephant in the room

Synonyms

  • unspoken issue
  • avoided topic
  • hidden problem
  • ignored concern

Common mistakes

  • Used in the wrong context, as it refers specifically to unaddressed issues.
  • Confused with similar phrases like 'tackling the issue', which implies asking about it.
  • Misused when the issue is already being discussed openly.