Thousand pound gorilla in the room: Learn what the means through example!

What does “Thousand pound gorilla in the room” mean?

"A thousand pound gorilla in the room" means a very obvious problem or issue that everyone is aware of but no one wants to talk about.

What context can I use the in?

Example

The company's financial troubles are the thousand pound gorilla in the room.

Example

Everyone knows about the thousand pound gorilla in the room, but no one wants to address it.

Example

The thousand pound gorilla in the room is the lack of diversity in the organization

Is “Thousand pound gorilla in the room” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Thousand pound gorilla 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 “Thousand pound gorilla in the room” effectively in context?

You can use "Thousand Pound Gorilla in the Room" to refer to a very obvious problem or issue that everyone is aware of but no one wants to talk about. It emphasizes the idea that the problem is so significant and intimidating that it cannot be ignored. For example, if there is a major conflict within a group, you might say, 'The tension between them is the thousand pound gorilla in the room.'

• 1. Work

  The company's financial troubles are the thousand pound gorilla in the room.

• 2. Social Setting

  Everyone knows about the thousand pound gorilla in the room, but no one wants to address it.

• 3. Diversity

  The thousand pound gorilla in the room is the lack of diversity in the organization.

Similar phrases to “Thousand pound gorilla in the room”:

Elephant in the room

An obvious problem or issue that is being ignored or avoided

Example

Their ongoing feud is the elephant in the room.

Skeleton in the closet

A shameful or embarrassing secret that someone wants to keep hidden

Example

His criminal past is the skeleton in the closet.

Tip of the iceberg

A small, visible part of a much larger problem or issue

Example

The recent scandal is just the tip of the iceberg.

Open secret

Something that is widely known or understood, but not openly acknowledged

Example

Their relationship was an open secret among their friends.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Thousand pound gorilla in the room” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Thousand Pound Gorilla in the Room" is unknown.

Is “Thousand pound gorilla in the room” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "Thousand Pound Gorilla in the Room" is a well-known idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe a significant problem or issue that is being ignored or avoided.

What tone does “Thousand pound gorilla in the room” have?

"Thousand Pound Gorilla in the Room" conveys a tone of acknowledgment and discomfort. It highlights the tension and unease surrounding the unaddressed problem or issue.

Can “Thousand pound gorilla in the room” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "Thousand Pound Gorilla in the Room" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that captures the idea of a glaring problem that everyone is aware of but avoids discussing. You can use it in casual conversations with friends or colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as meetings or presentations.

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, 'The lack of communication is the thousand pound gorilla in the room.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'We need to address the "thousand pound gorilla in the room".'

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

• unspoken issue
• undiscussed problem
• obvious concern
• unaddressed matter
• evident dilemma

Antonyms

• openly discussed topic
• addressed problem
• resolved issue
• transparent concern
• acknowledged matter