conspicuous by its absence

Idioms  

1. Also, conspicuous by one's absence. Glaringly obvious by the fact of not being there. For example, One agenda item concerning publicity is conspicuous by its absence, or The bride's father was conspicuous by his absence. The idea is ancient; it was expressed by the Roman writer Tacitus, concerning the absence of Junia's brother and husband at her funeral procession. [Mid-1800s]

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Example Sentences

While the Russian delegation will be conspicuous by its absence, organisers hailed a record turnout in terms of the number and diversity of participants, with expectations of a "high-level" Chinese presence.

From Reuters • Jan. 10, 2023

In this state-controlled sphere, the war is most conspicuous by its absence.

From Washington Post • Mar. 4, 2022

But it is the topic the president judiciously refused to raise, a topic unavoidably conspicuous by its absence, that most demands our attention.

From Washington Times • Feb. 11, 2020

Concrete legal or political action, however, was conspicuous by its absence.

From The Guardian • Jul. 17, 2018

In the Assyrian contracts, on the other hand, it is conspicuous by its absence.

From Babylonians and Assyrians, Life and Customs by Sayce, A. H. (Archibald Henry)