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

The Hollywood Reporter said the film "delivers for lifelong fans who cherish the music", but the Telegraph noted that it "refuses to address the elephant in the room".

From BBC • Apr. 21, 2026

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

From MarketWatch • Apr. 14, 2026

At times, you could almost forget about the elephant in the room.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 20, 2026

And talk about an elephant in the room.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 13, 2026

Everywhere I go, I feel like the elephant in the room.

From "The Running Dream" by Wendelin Van Draanen