Elephant in the Room - Idiom of the Day for IELTS

Making the perfect use of suitable idioms in your speech while conversing in English in an everyday setting will enhance the way you convey an intended message. One of the commonly used idioms these days is ‘Elephant in the Room.’ 

This idiom is especially used by people in both casual and professional discussions, mainly when talking about an obvious issue that is ongoing but is too sensitive to talk openly about, and that is what makes it perfect for the IELTS exam.

In this blog, we will learn the meaning, origin, and usage of the ‘Elephant in the Room’ idiom, along with examples of how to use it when preparing for the IELTS Speaking and Writing!

Meaning of the ‘Elephant in the Room’ IELTS Idiom

The idiom “the elephant in the room” refers to an obvious and big problem or issue that everyone knows is there but deliberately avoids talking about it, often because it is uncomfortable, embarrassing, or even sensitive.

In simpler terms, this idiom describes a situation where something is impossible to ignore, and yet no one wants to address it openly.

Example Sentences:

• “Everyone knew our company was facing financial issues, but no one mentioned it since they considered it as the elephant in the room.”
• “Her sudden resignation was the elephant in the room during the official meeting.”

This idiom is also mainly useful in IELTS Speaking when describing family issues, workplace tension, social problems, or certain controversial topics.

Where Did the Idiom ‘Elephant in the Room’ Come From?

This idiom is an American phrase that has different origins. The very first reference is dated to 1935 that meant something incongruous and obvious. Later, in the 1950s, the current meaning of the idiom originated, which is something huge that is generally ignored as it seems quite uncomfortable to be dealt with. 

One of the interesting examples of this idiom took place in the Broadway musical, Jumbo in 1935. At that time, Jimmy Durante was stopped by police when he was paving way for a real elephant toward the stage. When the cop asked what he was doing with the elephant, Jimmy responded by saying “What elephant?” Probably, this scene would have helped form the idea to ignore the elephant in the room. 

There is another fable that was written in the early 1800s. Apparently, a man visited a museum. There, he noticed all the small things but the huge elephant in the room. This fable is known as The Inquisitive Man, which has been referenced by several famous writers.

Over time, this idiom evolved into a common idiom used in politics, business, family discussions, and everyday conversation.

A Sample Scenario to Use the Idiom ‘Elephant in the Room’

IELTS Speaking Part 2 - Sample Scenario

Describe a situation where people avoided talking about an issue.

“During a family gathering of ours last month, everyone was unusually quiet. My elder cousin had recently dropped out of his university, and although everyone knew about it, no one mentioned it in a straightforward manner. The matter was clearly the elephant in the room. Eventually, my uncle addressed it calmly, and that surprisingly reduced the tension. This experience taught me that ignoring deliberate issues only makes a situation more uncomfortable.”

This answer shows clear understanding and natural use of this idiom of ‘Elephant in the Room.’

Sample Sentences to Use the ‘Elephant in the Room’ Idiom

• “For you, ignoring the elephant in the room is pointless.”
• “Let’s talk about the elephant in the room.”
• Rising inflation is the elephant in the room.

Using ‘Elephant in the Room’ in IELTS Speaking

This idiom “the elephant in the room” is particularly useful in IELTS because it helps test takers describe unspoken problems, and sensitive issues in a natural and native-like manner. When used properly, it shows a strong command of idiomatic language, which can positively influence your Lexical Resource band score. 

In IELTS Speaking, this idiom works well across all three parts of the test, mainly when the topic involves people, relationships, workplaces, or social problems. 

• In the IELTS Speaking Part 1, you may not get many chances to use it since the answers are short, but you can still try to fit it in if the question relates to awkward situations or discussions. 
• In the IELTS Speaking Part 2, this idiom can be particularly used when you are asked to describe a situation, a disagreement, an official space situation or a difficult experience. In this, “the elephant in the room” helps you clearly explain why a certain situation felt uncomfortable or tense to discuss. 
• In the IELTS Speaking Part 3, where abstract concepts and social issues are discussed, the idiom becomes even more useful. The topics related to unemployment, social issues, climate change, or education gaps often involve issues that people hesitate to address directly. Hence, the “Elephant in the Room” idiom can be perfectly used here.

Using ‘Elephant in the Room’ in IELTS Writing Task 2

When it comes to the Writing module of the exam, the idiom should be used more cautiously. In the IELTS Writing Task 2, your tone must be clearly semi-formal or formal. 

While idioms are not completely discouraged, they should be used only when they fit naturally. “The elephant in the room” is one of the few idioms that can be perfect in the Writing Task 2 if the topic is social or problem-based. 

To conclude, this idiom “Elephant in the Room” offers a simple yet powerful manner of describing obvious problems that are sensitive to discuss. By perfectly understanding how and when to use the idiom, learners can add a natural and fluent conversational quality to their English, mainly in spoken contexts like interviews, presentations, and the IELTS Speaking exam! 

Also Check:

• A Leopard Cannot Change Its Spots – Idiom of the Day for IELTS   
• Cash-flow Problem - Idiom of the Day for IELTS  
• Once in a Blue Moon Idiom: Meaning, Definition & Synonyms