The elephant in the room
/ði ˈelɪfənt ɪn ðə ruːm/neutralUK · US
What does “The elephant in the room” mean?
The elephant in the room means an obvious problem that everyone is aware of but nobody wants to discuss.
The phrase names a subject that is impossible to miss and yet is being politely ignored, a failing project, an illness, a resignation everyone expects.
Unlike most idioms on this site it is register-neutral: it appears in newspapers and boardrooms as readily as in conversation.
When do people say it?
Used in meetings, families and public debate to name an avoided topic.
“Let's address the elephant in the room: we are three months behind schedule.”
Is it formal or informal?
Register: neutral. It is most at home in both everyday conversation and professional writing. Most common in UK and US.
Where does it come from?
Popularised in English in the second half of the twentieth century; similar images appear earlier.
Origin confidence: Reasonably documented
How do you say “The elephant in the room” in other languages?
Related idioms
- Beat around the bush, To avoid the main point.
- Sit on the fence, To stay deliberately neutral.
Last reviewed 2026-09-11