An elephant in the room

Meaning

A major problem or uncomfortable truth that is obvious to everyone present but which nobody wants to discuss. It makes the room feel heavy and awkward.

Tense, observant

Used in a sentence

• The fact that we have no budget is the elephant in the room.
• We need to address the elephant in the room before we move on with this project.
• Her resignation was the elephant in the room during the entire family brunch.