Saw The Elephant Edit Meaning

1.

(like in the circus) saw the main attraction, now (one) can go home

"maria, this museum sucks. we saw the elephant. let's book."

See lauren

2.

to see something so immense and powerful that it changes your life.

He thought he wanted to drop out and live off the grid, but one winter was all it took for him: he saw the elephant.

See fear, insight, experience, elephant

3.

a metaphor for having experienced combat

"Together, we saw the elephant." David Hackworth, Defending America, "Lest We Forget", 23 May 2000.

See combat, war, battle, trauma, elephant