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

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

From BBC ● Jun. 29, 2026

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

I want us to have history, something longer than the small window of time we’re actually sharing, with an even longer future, but the dying elephant in the room crushes me.

From "They Both Die at the End" by Adam Silvera