The elephant in the room

Are you using the idiom The elephant in the room but not sure about its meaning? Using idioms, which are important elements of spoken and written language, in the right place strengthens your language skills. Examine the meaning of the The elephant in the room idiom and the situations in which it is used.

Meaning of "The elephant in the room"

Meaning

The phrase “the elephant in the room” is an idiom most commonly used to refer to an issue or problem that everyone knows about but no one wants to talk about, due to it being awkward or potentially controversial. It is often used in situations in which people are uncomfortable bringing up or addressing a problem or issue, due to its potential to stir up conflict or disagreement, so it is left as an elephant-sized obstacle in the room that no one addresses. For example, in a situation where one person has done something wrong, it might be difficult for others to confront them about it, so it is just left as an elephant in the room.

Etymology

The term “the elephant in the room” has become a popular idiom in recent years, but it is unclear exactly when and how it originated. The earliest known usage of the phrase appears to be in the 1920s, when it was used by American author O. Henry in his short story “The Ransom of Red Chief” as a metaphor for a problem that was looming and remained unsolved. Since then, the phrase has become widely known and used in everyday conversation.

Usage

The phrase “the elephant in the room” is mainly used figuratively, to refer to an issue or problem that everyone knows about but no one wants to talk about. It can also be used in more literal senses, such as when an elephant is actually in the room, or when someone is referencing a “big” problem that needs to be addressed. This phrase is often used to draw attention to an issue that needs to be discussed, and encourages people to be honest and open about it, instead of sweeping it under the rug.

Example Sentences

• The board members were all aware of the elephant in the room, but no one wanted to be the one to bring it up.
• The couple had been avoiding talking about their financial problems for months, so it was clearly the elephant in the room.
• The obvious elephant in the room was that no one wanted to talk about the possibility of layoffs.

Beyond the Literal: Figurative Language in Idioms

Idioms often use figurative language to convey a message that is not meant to be taken literally. For instance, the idiom "bite the bullet" means to endure a painful or difficult situation without complaint, while "hold your horses" means to be patient and wait. Other idioms, like "kick the bucket" or "pop your clogs," use euphemisms to talk about death.