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

"It's sort of the elephant in the room surrounding the company," said Nelson.

From Barron's ● Jul. 22, 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

Carlo Ancelotti's news conference was coming to an end when he addressed the elephant in the room in his typically subtle, elegant way.

From BBC ● Jun. 13, 2026

Sometimes, the letter writer may be asking the wrong question about the right problem, or they could be ignoring the elephant in the room.

From MarketWatch ● May 11, 2026

I still hadn’t told Howard I was sorry for what I said about his up-down walk, so there was always a big ole elephant in the room for me.

From "Wish" by Barbara O'Connor