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The metaphorical elephant in the room represents an obvious problem or difficult situation that people do not want to talk about. [1] The expression " the elephant in the room " (or " the elephant in the living room ") [2][3] is a metaphorical idiom in English for an important or enormous topic, question, or controversial issue that is obvious ...
If you say there is an elephant in the room, you mean that there is an obvious problem or difficult situation that people do not want to talk about. SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases. Difficult situations and unpleasant experiences. a hard/tough row to hoe idiom. abyss.
The metaphorical image of an elephant taking up space in a small room emphasizes how difficult it can be to ignore something so large and obvious. Contents. Origins and Historical Context of the Idiom “elephant in the room” Usage and Variations of the Idiom “elephant in the room”
- What Does Elephant in The Room Mean?
- Is Elephant in The Room An Idiom?
- What’s The Meaning of White Elephants in The room?
- What’s The Origin of The Phrase Elephant in The room?
- Elephant in The Room Synonyms
- Examples of Using The Phrase Elephant in The Room in A Sentence
- No More Elephant in The Room
We all use the phrase “elephant in the room” to describe a situation or an issue that’s pretty obvious or noticeable, but it’s not being addressed or discussed the way it should be. Like when you know two friends in your friend’s group are fighting but are super quiet when among everyone. You could stand upand say, “Alright, let’s address the eleph...
You bet! When you hear “the elephant in the room,” you can be sure it’s considered an English idiom or idiomatic phrase because it’s not a true statement; there’s no actual giant elephant standing in the room.
“White elephant in the room” is a variation of the normal phrase most of us use. A “white elephant” is considered a rare and valuable gift in some cultures, but eventually, over many years, the term came to represent something difficult to get rid of or take care of.
You’d think the roots of this phrase went back quite far, but it first appeared in America during the early 1950s in an excerpt in the Charleston Gazettethat said, “Chicago, that’s an old Indian word meaning get that elephant out of your room.” It was also reworded and used in the title of the book by Typpo and Hastings, “An Elephant in the Living ...
Taboo topicUnspoken issueDelicate matterSkeleton in the closetThe company’s financial problems were the elephant in the room that nobody wanted to acknowledge, but we had to address them to move forward with a new plan.With my mother planning to visit, my husband and I had to talk about the elephant in the room; she’s extremely rude, and everyone lets her get away with it.Despite the tension between my two best friends, the elephant in the room remained unaddressed, and now our group trip to Mexico is going to be awkward.Listen, we need to talk about the elephant in the room before it becomes an even bigger problem. I think we should see a couple’s therapist.Whether you call it an “elephant in the room” or a “white elephant in the room,” the meaning is pretty much the same. At least, the intent is. It represents a problem or issue causing discomfortor difficulty that needs to be addressed but is probably ignored because no one wants to deal with it.
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What Does 'The Elephant in the Room' Mean? ‘The elephant in the room’ is an idiom that refers to a difficult issue or problem that is incredibly obvious but that is ignored for the comfort or convenience of the individuals that are involved.
When there’s an ‘elephant in the room,’ it implies the existence of a large, noticeable concern that is being overlooked, often due to discomfort, fear, or a collective decision to avoid addressing it. The idiom draws attention to the need for open and honest communication about unspoken issues.
Meaning: If there is an elephant in the room, it means that an obvious problem is being ignored. Put another way, it is a noticeable issue that is not acknowledged or addressed. Example: Jim arrived at work and his clothes were soaking wet!
