Definition
A metaphor for an obvious issue or problem that is being ignored or avoided in a situation.
Origin / Etymology
The phrase likely originated from the literal meaning of an elephant being present in a room, but the issue of ignoring it is more relevant to its metaphorical use, which gained prominence in the 1990s.
Correct Usage Examples
- The company's declining sales are the elephant in the room that no one wants to discuss.
- It's awkward to have a conversation about money, but the elephant in the room is the lack of financial planning.
- The elephant in the room is the fact that we haven't achieved our goals despite all the hard work.
Common Misspellings
Elephant in the rroom, Elephant in th room, Elephant in th rroom, Elephant in th room
Related Phrases
FAQ
What does 'elephant in the room' mean?
It refers to an obvious problem or issue that everyone can see but no one wants to address.
Where does the phrase 'elephant in the room' come from?
The exact origin is unclear, but it gained widespread use in the 1990s, likely from the literal meaning of an elephant in a room, but metaphorically to describe ignored issues.
Advertisement placeholder
Need help writing? Check out our recommended
grammar & writing assistant.
Explore the ecosystem
More from the Zynthio network: CoreIntent, Zynthio Wiki, 1000 Words.