Question 1

What does "the elephant in the room" mean?

Accepted Answer

An obvious problem or issue that people avoid discussing because it is uncomfortable.

Question 2

How do you use "the elephant in the room" in a sentence?

Accepted Answer

Nobody mentioned the budget cuts — it was the elephant in the room.

Question 3

Is "the elephant in the room" formal or informal?

Accepted Answer

"the elephant in the room" is register-neutral — appropriate in both casual and formal contexts. Implies collective avoidance of an uncomfortable truth.