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UK//ðə ˈlɑːdʒər ðən ˈævərɪdʒ ˈɛlɪfənt ɪn ðə ruːm//US//ðə ˈlɑrdʒər ðən ˈævərɪdʒ ˈɛləfənt ɪn ðə rum//

Meaning of The larger-than-average elephant in the room

A significant issue or problem that is being ignored or avoided.

In simple words: A big problem that people ignore.

The larger-than-average elephant in the room in a sentence

  • We need to address the larger-than-average elephant in the room before it becomes a bigger issue.
  • Ignoring the larger-than-average elephant in the room won't make it disappear.
  • During the meeting, Sarah finally pointed out the larger-than-average elephant in the room.
  • It's time someone mentioned the larger-than-average elephant in the room, our budget cuts.
  • Everyone feels uncomfortable, but no one wants to discuss the larger-than-average elephant in the room.

How to use The larger-than-average elephant in the room

Use this expression in discussions about issues everyone knows but avoids mentioning. It's appropriate in both casual and formal conversations.

Grammar pattern

standalone idiom

Memory hint

Imagine a giant elephant sitting in a room, and everyone pretends not to see it.

Related words

Collocations with The larger-than-average elephant in the room

  • discuss the elephant in the room
  • ignore the elephant in the room
  • identify the elephant in the room

Synonyms for The larger-than-average elephant in the room

  • unspoken issue
  • ignored problem
  • taboo subject
  • obvious dilemma

Common mistakes with The larger-than-average elephant in the room

  • Confused with 'elephant' as an animal instead of the metaphor.
  • Used in contexts where the problem is not obvious or serious.
  • Overuse in discussions where the issue is not significant.

The larger-than-average elephant in the room appears in

The larger-than-average elephant in the room in other languages

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Frequently asked questions about The larger-than-average elephant in the room

What does The larger-than-average elephant in the room mean?

A big problem that people ignore.

What is the definition of The larger-than-average elephant in the room?

A significant issue or problem that is being ignored or avoided.

How do you use The larger-than-average elephant in the room in a sentence?

We need to address the larger-than-average elephant in the room before it becomes a bigger issue.

Can you give another example of The larger-than-average elephant in the room?

Ignoring the larger-than-average elephant in the room won't make it disappear.

What are synonyms for The larger-than-average elephant in the room?

Common alternatives include unspoken issue, ignored problem, taboo subject, obvious dilemma.

What words go with The larger-than-average elephant in the room?

It commonly pairs with discuss the elephant in the room, ignore the elephant in the room, identify the elephant in the room.

What are common mistakes when using The larger-than-average elephant in the room?

Confused with 'elephant' as an animal instead of the metaphor. Used in contexts where the problem is not obvious or serious. Overuse in discussions where the issue is not significant.

How do you pronounce The larger-than-average elephant in the room?

US: //ðə ˈlɑrdʒər ðən ˈævərɪdʒ ˈɛləfənt ɪn ðə rum//, UK: //ðə ˈlɑːdʒər ðən ˈævərɪdʒ ˈɛlɪfənt ɪn ðə ruːm//. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use The larger-than-average elephant in the room?

Use this expression in discussions about issues everyone knows but avoids mentioning. It's appropriate in both casual and formal conversations.