What does “You can't hide elephants in mouseholes” mean?

"You can't hide elephants in mouseholes" means it is impossible to conceal something large or obvious in a small or inconspicuous place.

What context can I use the in?

Example

Trying to fit all those clothes in your tiny suitcase is like trying to hide elephants in mouseholes.

Example

You can't expect to hide your expensive car in that small garage. You can't hide elephants in mouseholes.

Example

Don't think you can hide your true intentions behind a small smile. You can't hide elephants in mouseholes

Is “You can't hide elephants in mouseholes” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“You can't hide elephants in mouseholes” 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 “You can't hide elephants in mouseholes” effectively in context?

You can use "You can't hide elephants in mouseholes" to emphasize that it is impossible to conceal something large or obvious in a small or inconspicuous place. For example, if someone is trying to fit too many items into a small bag, you might say, 'Trying to fit all those clothes in your tiny suitcase is like trying to hide elephants in mouseholes.'

1Packing
Trying to fit all those clothes in your tiny suitcase is like trying to hide elephants in mouseholes.
2Secrecy
Don't think you can hide your true intentions behind a small smile. You can't hide elephants in mouseholes.
3Storage
You can't expect to hide your expensive car in that small garage. You can't hide elephants in mouseholes.

Similar phrases to “You can't hide elephants in mouseholes”:

Square peg in a round hole

Something or someone that is unsuitable or does not fit into a particular situation

Example

He's a square peg in a round hole in this company because he doesn't share the same values.

Trying to fit a square peg into a round hole

Attempting to make something fit into a situation where it is clearly unsuitable or incompatible

Example

Trying to make her conform to our strict rules is like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole.

Making a mountain out of a molehill

Exaggerating or making something seem much more important or difficult than it actually is

Example

Stop making a mountain out of a molehill. It's just a minor issue.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “You can't hide elephants in mouseholes” come from?

The origin of the phrase "You can't hide elephants in mouseholes" is unknown.

Is “You can't hide elephants in mouseholes” common in everyday conversation?

The phrase "You can't hide elephants in mouseholes" is not very common in everyday conversation. It is more often used in specific situations where the need to emphasize the impossibility of hiding something large or obvious in a small space arises.

What tone does “You can't hide elephants in mouseholes” have?

"You can't hide elephants in mouseholes" conveys a tone of impossibility and practicality. It is used to highlight the futility of attempting to conceal something that is clearly too big or noticeable for the chosen hiding place.

Can “You can't hide elephants in mouseholes” be used in informal and formal settings?

The phrase "You can't hide elephants in mouseholes" is informal and can be used in casual conversations among friends, family, or colleagues. It may not be suitable for formal or professional settings.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

The phrase is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'Trying to fit all those clothes in your tiny suitcase is like trying to hide elephants in mouseholes.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'You can't hide elephants in mouseholes!' to imply the impossibility of concealing something large in a small space.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

you can't unring a bell
you can't hide the sun with a sieve
you can't put toothpaste back in the tube
you can't turn back the clock
you can't unscramble eggs