the elephant in the room
US /ðɪ ˈɛlɪfənt ɪn ðə ruːm/
UK /ðɪ ˈɛlɪfənt ɪn ðə ruːm/
1.
an obvious problem or difficult situation that people do not want to talk about
:
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Everyone knew about the company's financial troubles, but no one dared to address the elephant in the room.
•
Their strained relationship was the elephant in the room during the family dinner.