Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
the elephant in the room
idiom
/ðə ˈɛlɪfənt ɪn ðə ruːm/
Definition
A significant problem or issue that is obvious but is deliberately ignored or overlooked.
Examples
- Everyone was discussing the new project, but no one wanted to mention the elephant in the room: the budget cuts.
- During the family dinner, the elephant in the room was the recent divorce, and nobody dared to bring it up.
Meaning
The phrase refers to something that everyone is aware of but chooses not to acknowledge, often because it may be uncomfortable or controversial.
Synonyms
- the unmentionable
- the obvious issue
- the taboo subject
