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800-pound gorilla

Something dangerous, menacing, or frightening that is obvious but not addressed.

Etymology:

  • a. 1971, from a riddle: "Where does an 800-pound gorilla sleep?" / "Anywhere it wants."
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Submitted on July 10, 2018

Additional definitions for '800-pound gorilla':

800-pound gorillaAn entity that dominates its environment.
800-pound gorillaSomething dangerous, menacing, or spooky that is obvious but not addressed.
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Nearby phrases

Some more phrases from our dictionary similar to 800-pound gorilla

pound of fleshdon't be penny wise and pound foolishpound the pavementpound a beatpound sandpenny wise and pound foolishpound outin for a penny, in for a poundpound for poundpound the pavementpound outan ounce of prevention can be worth a p…a pint’s a pound the world aroundpound out

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    "800-pound gorilla." Phrases.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 26 Dec. 2024. <https://www.phrases.com/phrase/800-pound-gorilla_25170>.

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