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

Perhaps universities will address the elephant in the room: Student cheating is rampant, and it is the fault of the faculty.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 25, 2026

But no one could ignore the elephant in the room.

From Barron's • May 19, 2026

But by not actually addressing the elephant in the room, “Michael” does the opposite, making its subject look like a bona fide creep.

From Salon • Apr. 25, 2026

BlackRock also addressed the elephant in the room — weren’t they too cautious with their neutral stance?

From MarketWatch • Apr. 14, 2026

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

From "South of Somewhere" by Kalena Miller