What does “Elephant in the room” mean?
"Elephant in the room" means there is an obvious problem or issue that everyone is aware of, but no one wants to talk about it.
What context can I use the in?
Example
The elephant in the room is the company's declining profits.
Example
We need to address the elephant in the room and discuss our team's communication issues.
Example
Everyone knows about the elephant in the room, but no one wants to bring it up during the meeting
Is “Elephant in the room” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Elephant in the room” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Elephant in the room” effectively in context?
You can use "Elephant in the Room" to refer to an obvious problem or issue that everyone is aware of, but no one wants to talk about. It's often used to encourage open and honest communication about difficult topics. For example, if there is a conflict within a group of friends that no one is addressing, you might say, 'Let's address the elephant in the room and talk about our issues.'
- 1Family Gatherings
During a family reunion, everyone was aware of the tension between two relatives, but no one wanted to bring up the elephant in the room and discuss it openly.
- 2Work Meetings
In a team meeting, there was a clear lack of productivity, but no one was willing to acknowledge the elephant in the room and address the underlying issues.
- 3Social Events
At a party, everyone noticed that one guest was behaving inappropriately, but no one wanted to confront the elephant in the room and ask them to leave.
Similar phrases to “Elephant in the room”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Elephant in the room” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Elephant in the Room" is unknown.
Is “Elephant in the room” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Elephant in the Room" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe situations where there is an obvious problem or issue that is being ignored or avoided.
What tone does “Elephant in the room” have?
"Elephant in the Room" conveys a tone of acknowledgement and urgency. It's often used to highlight the need for open and honest communication about difficult topics.
Can “Elephant in the room” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Elephant in the Room" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that conveys the idea of addressing important issues that are being ignored. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as meetings, presentations, or professional discussions.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'We can't ignore the elephant in the room any longer.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'There's an "elephant in the room" here' to imply the presence of an obvious problem or issue.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- unspoken issue
- unaddressed problem
- taboo subject
- obvious concern
- unacknowledged matter
Antonyms
- open discussion
- transparent communication
- addressed problem
- resolved issue
- acknowledged matter
