elephant in the room
noun phrase
: an obvious major problem or issue that people avoid discussing or acknowledging
Examples of elephant in the room in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Even when Drew tries to messily prod at the massive elephant in the room at dinner, the conversation still reverts to Angela’s issues with Shamea.
—
Ile-Ife Okantah,
Vulture,
29 June 2026
But Robertson said that the omission of any testimony on the shortcomings in the fighting of the fire, after a ruling by the judge, was an elephant in the room that was clearly bothersome to jurors.
—
Alene Tchekmedyian,
Los Angeles Times,
29 June 2026
We are collectively motivated to initiate conversations, defend our perspective and address the elephant in the room.
—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
26 June 2026
After the cast got up the next morning, Trinity entered the women's quarters to immediately address the elephant in the room.
—
Taijuan Moorman,
USA Today,
22 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for elephant in the room
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Ile-Ife Okantah,
Vulture,
29 June 2026
But Robertson said that the omission of any testimony on the shortcomings in the fighting of the fire, after a ruling by the judge, was an elephant in the room that was clearly bothersome to jurors.
—
Alene Tchekmedyian,
Los Angeles Times,
29 June 2026
We are collectively motivated to initiate conversations, defend our perspective and address the elephant in the room.
—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
26 June 2026
After the cast got up the next morning, Trinity entered the women's quarters to immediately address the elephant in the room.
—
Taijuan Moorman,
USA Today,
22 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for elephant in the room
Cite this Entry
“Elephant in the room.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elephant%20in%20the%20room. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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