Elephants are not just big animals; they also play a big part in the way we talk. In this blog post, we will explore various idioms that feature the word “elephant” or are related to elephants. These phrases add fun and color to our language. Even kids can understand and enjoy learning how these giant creatures are used in everyday expressions!
Elephant Idioms
Here are 20 elephant idioms in English.
1. The elephant in the room
Meaning: A big issue everyone ignores
Example: We discussed everything but the elephant in the room.
2. White elephant
Meaning: A costly, burdensome possession
Example: That old car is a white elephant.
3. Elephant memory
Meaning: To remember everything
Example: He has an elephant memory for dates.
4. Elephant’s graveyard
Meaning: Where old or outdated things go
Example: It’s an elephant’s graveyard of tech.
5. Pink elephant
Meaning: Something imagined or unreal
Example: I swear I saw a pink elephant!
6. An elephant never forgets
Meaning: Someone with a great memory
Example: Just ask Nancy; an elephant never forgets.
7. To have an elephant’s mouth
Meaning: To eat a lot
Example: He could eat, truly an elephant’s mouth.
8. To pack the trunk
Meaning: Getting ready to leave
Example: Time’s up, let’s pack the trunk.
9. Elephant in the ballet shoes
Meaning: Someone unsuitable for a role
Example: He’s like an elephant in ballet shoes.
10. Make an elephant out of a mosquito
Meaning: Overreacting to a small problem
Example: Don’t make an elephant out of a mosquito.
11. As big as an elephant
Meaning: Very large
Example: His new TV is as big as an elephant.
12. Elephant ears
Meaning: Someone who overhears everything
Example: Beware, she has elephant ears.
13. Elephant’s pace
Meaning: Moving very slowly
Example: This project is moving at an elephant’s pace.
14. To ride the elephant
Meaning: To take on a big challenge
Example: He’s ready to ride the elephant.
15. To see the elephant
Meaning: To experience something spectacular
Example: Let’s go and see the elephant tonight.
16. Elephant’s dance
Meaning: Clumsy or awkward movements
Example: I dance like an elephant.
17. Blue elephant
Meaning: An extremely rare or unlikely event
Example: Winning here is a blue elephant.
18. Feed the elephant
Meaning: To deal with a large expense
Example: Our savings went to feed the elephant.
19. Elephants marching
Meaning: A significant amount of progress
Example: With this team, it’s like elephants marching.
20. To throw an elephant
Meaning: To introduce a big surprise
Example: He really threw an elephant in our plans.
