Gorilla in the room Meaning in English
expression
Definition
An obvious problem or issue that everyone knows about but nobody wants to discuss.
Usage & Nuances
This expression is informal and is similar in meaning to 'the elephant in the room,' but is less common. It describes something everyone notices but avoids discussing, usually out of discomfort or awkwardness. Use mainly in spoken or less formal written contexts.
Example Sentences
Nobody wanted to talk about the gorilla in the room during the meeting.
basic
The company's financial problems are the gorilla in the room.
basic
We all see the gorilla in the room, but no one says a word.
basic
It's hard to ignore the gorilla in the room when everyone is upset but pretending everything's fine.
natural
Let’s stop avoiding the gorilla in the room and actually talk about what happened.
natural
You can only pretend for so long—the gorilla in the room isn’t going away.
natural