bring up the elephant in the room?

[Oinas]

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #342 "English Slang Idioms (63)", question 9

They breached their contract with him last week, but no one mentioned it at all during their dinner. Neither party wanted to be the first to bring up the ......... in the room.

(a) ghost
(b) shadow
(c) monster
(d) elephant

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #342 "English Slang Idioms (63)", answer 9

They breached their contract with him last week, but no one mentioned it at all during their dinner. Neither party wanted to be the first to bring up the elephant in the room.

Correct answer: (d) elephant

Your answer was: incorrect
They breached their contract with him last week, but no one mentioned it at all during their dinner. Neither party wanted to be the first to bring up the ghost in the room.
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Hi! What is the meaning of "bring up the elephant"?
Thank you in advance! Best regards,Oinas.

[Mister Micawber]

'Bring up' = mention
elephant in the room = a difficult situation that is very obvious but not discussed or addressed. The elephant in the room between couples is often money or what to do with aging parents.
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Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's