You should read the room before telling that joke.
read the room
idiomTo understand the emotions and thoughts of the people present, especially to determine the kind of speech or actions that would be appropriate or inappropriate.
The manager failed to read the room and made a lighthearted comment during the serious budget meeting.
A skilled diplomat must always read the room, adjusting their tone and arguments to match the unspoken tensions of the gathered audience.
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assume room temperature
To die; to be killed.
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baby elephant in the room
An obvious but mostly inconsequential issue.
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dictated but not read
Dictated, as to a secretary or stenographer, but not proofread by the person who dictated it.
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elephant in the room
A problem or difficult issue that is very obvious, but is ignored for the convenience or comfort of those involved.
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get a room
Used to instruct a couple to stop displaying romantic or physical affection in public.
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gorilla in the room
A problem or difficult issue that is very obvious, but is ignored for the convenience or comfort of those involved.
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have one's head read
To have one's mental health assessed, to receive a psychiatric examination.
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light up a room
To possess great energy and appeal; to cause a social gathering to become animated and cheerful.
Last updated April 17, 2026