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  1. Learn the origin, usage and meaning of the metaphorical idiom "the elephant in the room", which refers to an obvious but ignored problem or issue. Find out how the phrase is used in literature, media, politics and other contexts.

  2. AN ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM definition: 1. If you say there is an elephant in the room, you mean that there is an obvious problem or…. Learn more.

  3. The film’s screenplay was written by Bernard MacLaverty, who is reported as previously describing the Troubles as “the elephant in our living room”. More recently, in September 2006, the British artist Banksy set the phrase in visual form with an exhibit of a painted elephant in a room in the Barely Legal exhibition in Los Angeles.

  4. The meaning of ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM is an obvious major problem or issue that people avoid discussing or acknowledging. an obvious major problem or issue that people avoid discussing or acknowledging…

    • What Does Elephant in The Room Mean?
    • Is Elephant in The Room An Idiom?
    • What’s The Meaning of White Elephant 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
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    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 up and say, “Alright, let’s address the elep...

    You bet! When you hear “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 topic
    Unspoken issue
    Delicate matter
    Skeleton in the closet
    The 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 discomfort or difficulty that needs to be addressed but is probably ignored because no one wants to deal with it.

    Learn the meaning and origin of the idiom "elephant in the room", which means a obvious but ignored problem or issue. Find out how to use it in sentences and variations like "white elephant in the room".

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  6. Learn the meaning and usage of the idiom 'elephant in the room', which describes an obvious and significant issue that everyone is ignoring or avoiding. Explore the origin of the expression, see real-life examples and quotes, and find other idioms starting with E.

  7. The rationale behind the idiom is that an elephant in a (living) room would be impossible to overlook, but people in the room can nevertheless choose to behave as if the elephant was non-existent. For example: Increasing poverty in the world is the western politicians’ elephant in the room. The fact that his 35-year-old brother was still ...

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