Trivia Time

Which author is widely credited for giving us the idea of the elephant in the room?

Test Your Knowledge

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

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

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

The sample size, at this point, has to be large enough for Dave Roberts and the Dodgers’ management to discuss the elephant in the room with their lead-off batter.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 25, 2026

To ignore this story isn’t like ignoring the elephant in the room.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 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