see the elephant
The phrase 'see the elephant' is a historical American idiom that originated in the 19th century, often associated with the Mexican-American War, Westward Expansion, and the Civil War.
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Definition
C1General
(historical, slang)To experience something extraordinary or remarkable, usually for the first time.
Example
- The young adventurer was eager to see the elephant during his travels.
C1Life Experience
(historical, slang)To undergo a significant event that brings valuable life lessons, often involving hardship or difficulty.
Example
- Pioneers heading west were said to see the elephant when they faced the harsh realities of their journey.
C1Military
(historical, slang)To participate in or witness a battle, often realizing the grim realities of combat.
Example
- During the Civil War, soldiers would talk about seeing the elephant after their first battle.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "see the elephant":
elephant walksee the lightelephant trapsee thingselephant trunkelephant legelephant's trunkrogue elephantelephant juicewhite elephant