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Idioms & Expressions
Elephant in the room
When there's something important everyone knows but won't mention
Literal Meaning
A large, gray mammal with a trunk, typically found in the wild or in zoos.
Actual Meaning
An obvious problem or issue that everyone is avoiding discussing
Examples in Context

Manager: 'Let's address the elephant in the room - the layoffs.'

Helpful Tips
  • 1About avoidance of obvious issues
  • 2Someone needs to bring it up
  • 3Can create relief when addressed
Phrase Thesaurus
Similar words and synonyms for this phrase
unspoken issue
taboo topic
awkward silence
hidden problem
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