Idiom
the elephant in the room
Meanings
A major, obvious issue that people avoid discussing because it is uncomfortable or awkward.
Definition
A big, obvious problem or topic that everyone notices but avoids talking about.
“The elephant in the room” refers to an obvious issue that is difficult or uncomfortable to discuss. People can clearly see it affecting a situation, but they act as if it isn’t there. It is often used in meetings, families, or public discussions when something important is being ignored.
Examples
- We need to address the elephant in the room: the budget is already blown.
- During dinner, the elephant in the room was their recent breakup.
- Everyone joked around, but the elephant in the room was the missing report.
- Before we plan next quarter, let’s talk about the elephant in the room—staff turnover.
More at B2 level
- Bob's your uncle Used to say that something will be easy or will happen exactly as expected after a simple step.
- touch base To touch base means to briefly contact someone to share a quick update or confirm plans.
- ballpark figure A ballpark figure is an approximate number or estimate, not an exact one.
- take the mickey To take the mickey means to tease someone or make fun of them in a not-too-serious way.
- cheap as chips Very cheap; costing very little money.
More idiom (noun phrase)s
- dog's dinner Something that is very messy, badly organized, or poorly done.
- neck of the woods A “neck of the woods” is a particular area or neighborhood someone comes from or is talking about.
- storm in a teacup A storm in a teacup is a lot of anger or worry about a small, unimportant problem.
- ace up your sleeve A secret advantage or plan you can use when needed.
- big fish in a small pond A big fish in a small pond is a person who is important or very successful in a small group or limi…