Meaning
La expresión en inglés «Elephant in the room» se refiere a un problema o asunto evidente que todos prefieren ignorar porque es incómodo o difícil de abordar. Imagina que hay un elefante enorme en una sala, pero todos actúan como si no estuviera allí. Esta metáfora se utiliza para describir situaciones donde hay un tema importante que todos evitan discutir.
Por ejemplo, en una reunión de trabajo, si una empresa está enfrentando una crisis financiera, pero nadie menciona el problema, eso sería el «elephant in the room». En contextos familiares, puede ser un conflicto no resuelto que todos evitan mencionar.
Usar esta expresión puede ayudar a señalar la importancia de enfrentar y discutir abiertamente los problemas en lugar de ignorarlos. Es una manera efectiva de llamar la atención sobre un tema que necesita ser abordado para encontrar una solución.
En resumen, «elephant in the room» es una forma de reconocer esas situaciones incómodas que requieren atención, pero que a menudo se pasan por alto por temor o incomodidad.
Example
The interviewer asked the former president about the elephant in the room, which was directed at his unfair and racist remarks.
I'd like to address the elephant in the room here. What are we going to do if Grandpa dies before he finalizes his will?
Let's not tiptoe around the elephant in the room. Maybe we should live apart for awhile before the divorce.
The truth then becomes the elephant in the room; which is that our oceans are being exploited for corporate profit.
Quiz
What is an Idiom
An idiom is a phrase or expression that usually presents a figurative, non-literal meaning attached to the phrase. Idioms are not just used in conversations – they're also very common in literature, movies, and music. We utilize them to convey a message in a concise and effective manner, and often have deep cultural or historical significance. They help to create a vivid and memorable image in the minds of the audience.
Idioms are difficult because they do not mean what they literally state. Communication challenges emerge when you translate an idiom in your language; it will not make sense or if it does make sense you may miss the intended meaning.
How to Study Idioms
- Read them. Read books, newspapers, magazine articles, online articles for exposure in written material.
- Watch them. Watch TV shows and movies in English! There are so many streaming services available for you to choose from. Listen attentively and try to understand the context in which they are used.
- Use them. Talk to native speakers and try to incorporate common idioms into your conversations. Try using them during conversations with friends, family, coworkers, or through text.
- Practice. Practice. Practice. Remember that you can't learn all of them! So start with a few that you understand and build your library of idioms from there!
