Trivia Time

Which author is widely credited for giving us the idea of the elephant in the room?

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elephant in the room

American  

[el-uh-fuhnt in thuh room, room] / ˈɛl ə fənt ɪn ðə ˈrum, ˈrʊm /

idiom

1. a problem or issue that everyone is aware of but that no one wants to talk about.

   Her dad’s depression has been the elephant in the room at family gatherings.

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Etymology

Origin of elephant in the room

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

elephant in the room

Don’t miss: If Social Security’s funding crisis is the elephant in the room, this is the mouse everyone has overlooked.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 1, 2026

There’s an elephant in the room in every scene, and its lens follows the subject everywhere.

From Salon ● Jul. 24, 2026

When it comes to sharing his music, especially the more vulnerable tracks, Wolfhard knows his “Stranger Things” fame is the elephant in the room.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 14, 2026

While celebrating City's WSL success in the Co-Op Live after-party of a club parade on Monday, Shaw was asked to address the "elephant in the room" in front of 19,000 fans.

From BBC ● May 25, 2026

I ask, summoning the courage to address the elephant in the room.

From "South of Somewhere" by Kalena Miller