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The idiom “Elephant in the Room” is commonly used to describe a situation or topic that is glaringly obvious but deliberately avoided or ignored. It refers to a significant issue or problem that everyone is aware of, yet no one wants to acknowledge or discuss openly.
The phrase originates from the idea of a large elephant being present in a room, impossible to ignore, yet people pretend it doesn’t exist. This idiom is often used to draw attention to sensitive or uncomfortable subjects that need to be addressed for progress or resolution.
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Also Read: Useful Idioms with Examples, Sentences and Meanings
Elephant in the Room Meaning and Origin
Elephant in the room meaning is to avoid discussing an obvious problem because it is uncomfortable or controversial. Despite its significance, it remains unaddressed, much like an elephant standing in a room that no one acknowledges.
The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the 19th century. The first known reference appeared in Ivan Krylov’s 1814 fable “The Inquisitive Man,” where a man notices small details in a museum but fails to see an elephant. Later, the phrase gained popularity in English through various writings, including Mark Twain‘s works.
By the mid-20th century, “elephant in the room” became widely used to describe ignored problems in social, political, or workplace settings. Today, it remains a common expression to highlight issues people find difficult to confront directly.
Elephant in the Room Idiom Usage with Examples
1. During the team meeting, nobody mentioned the budget cuts, which were the elephant in the room affecting our projects’ progress.
2. The tension between the two political parties was the elephant in the room during the debate, as both candidates avoided addressing it directly.
3. In a family gathering, the strained relationship between two siblings was the elephant in the room that cast a shadow over the otherwise cheerful atmosphere.
Also Read: Idioms for IELTS
Synonyms and Similar Expressions
– Unspoken issue
– Undiscussed problem
– Taboo subject
– Unaddressed concern
– Deliberate oversight
Understanding and acknowledging the elephant in the room is crucial for fostering open communication, finding resolutions, and moving forward constructively. By breaking the silence and addressing uncomfortable truths, individuals and groups can pave the way for meaningful discussions and positive change.
Elephant in the Room Quiz
Check out elephant in the room meaning mcqs in this section.
1. What does the idiom “Elephant in the Room” mean?
a) A zoo animal in the house
b) A big and obvious problem being ignored
c) A funny topic everyone talks about
d) A small issue that is over-discussed
Answer: b) A big and obvious problem being ignored
2. If a family avoids talking about a financial crisis, the “elephant in the room” is:
a) The family’s vacation plans
b) The financial crisis
c) The dinner menu
d) The weather
Answer: b) The financial crisis
3. In which situation would the phrase “elephant in the room” be appropriate?
a) A group of friends discussing their favorite movies
b) A company ignoring a major decline in sales
c) A teacher explaining a simple math problem
d) A chef cooking a new recipe
Answer: b) A company ignoring a major decline in sales
4. The phrase “elephant in the room” suggests that the issue is:
a) Very small and unimportant
b) Huge and hard to ignore
c) A fun and entertaining topic
d) A joke that everyone enjoys
Answer: b) Huge and hard to ignore
5. What is the origin of the idiom “elephant in the room”?
a) A scientific experiment on animal behavior
b) A painting depicting an elephant in a room
c) A famous book about elephants
d) A historical event involving real elephants
Answer: b) A painting depicting an elephant in a room
6. If a company is struggling but refuses to acknowledge it, the “elephant in the room” is:
a) The office décor
b) The financial struggles
c) The employee break time
d) The coffee machine
Answer: b) The financial struggles
7. Which of the following best describes an “elephant in the room”?
a) An exciting new opportunity
b) A difficult issue that is being ignored
c) A cute pet that everyone loves
d) A happy surprise at a party
Answer: b) A difficult issue that is being ignored
8. Why do people avoid addressing the “elephant in the room”?
a) They don’t notice the problem
b) They enjoy talking about problems
c) They feel uncomfortable discussing it
d) They think elephants are interesting
Answer: c) They feel uncomfortable discussing it
9. Which of these is NOT an example of an “elephant in the room”?
a) A team avoiding a major mistake in a project
b) A student ignoring a low grade on a test
c) A group discussing a funny joke together
d) A family avoiding a serious health issue
Answer: c) A group discussing a funny joke together
10. If two coworkers have an argument and pretend nothing happened, the “elephant in the room” is:
a) Their unresolved conflict
b) Their friendly lunch break
c) Their office decorations
d) Their work assignments
Answer: a) Their unresolved conflict
Check out meanings and usage of other tables in the following table:
FAQs
It refers to an obvious problem that people avoid discussing.
It comes from a 19th-century painting showing an elephant in a room, symbolizing an ignored issue.
“During the meeting, no one mentioned the layoffs—it was the elephant in the room.”
People do not address the elephant in the room because it is uncomfortable, controversial, or difficult to discuss.
This was all about the idiom elephant in the room meaning and examples. Hope you understood the concept where it’s used. For more such blogs on Learn English, follow Leverage Edu.
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