This phrase is said to come from the US and means an important and obvious topic which everyone present is aware of, but which isn't discussed, because the topic is taboo or embarrassing. It's occasionally used with regard to meetings of politicians who avoid talking about the most important and urgent issues.

Übersetzung:

Da ist ein Elefant im Wohnzimmer, etwas steht deutlich im Raum

Gegenteil(e)

everyone's talking about it

Synonym(e):

it's a total mare