bury one's head in the sand

/ˈbɛri wʌnz hɛd ɪn ðə sænd/◆idiom

to ignore a problem or unpleasant situation

The company buried its head in the sand when faced with financial fraud allegations.

The company ignored the financial fraud allegations instead of addressing them.

◆ What It Really Means

To ignore a problem or unpleasant situation, refusing to acknowledge or deal with it.

¶ Literal Meaning

To physically place one's head into sand.

Literal Breakdown

buryto place something underground+one's headthe top part of the human body+in the sandinside loose grains of sand

◇ Mental Image

The mental picture is of someone literally placing their head into sand, which is an absurd and impossible action, emphasizing the foolishness of ignoring problems.

◈ When to Use

A manager who ignores financial mismanagement in their department, hoping it will go away on its own, is burying their head in the sand.

◉ Cultural Note

The phrase is based on a myth that ostriches bury their heads in the sand to avoid danger. Though this is not true, the phrase has been used since at least the 19th century to describe avoidance behavior.

informal

To deliberately ignore a problem or unpleasant situation, refusing to acknowledge or deal with it.

He buried his head in the sand about his health issues, avoiding doctor visits.

He ignored his health problems and avoided going to the doctor.

The government can't bury its head in the sand when it comes to climate change.

The government must acknowledge and address climate change, not ignore it.

This idiom is often used to criticize someone for avoiding responsibility or difficult truths.

Synonyms

turn a blind eye stick one's head in the sand ignore avoid

Antonyms

face the music confront address acknowledge

Related Phrases

turn a blind eyeidiom

to deliberately ignore something

stick one's head in the sandidiom

to ignore a problem or unpleasant situation

Pro Tip

Usage Context

This idiom is often used to criticize someone for avoiding responsibility or difficult truths. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

Gold Rule

Avoidance Implication

The phrase implies that the person is avoiding a problem rather than dealing with it directly.

Word Origin

The phrase originates from the behavior of ostriches, which were mistakenly believed to bury their heads in the sand to avoid danger. Though this is a myth, the phrase has been used since at least the 19th century to describe avoidance.

Usage Notes

This idiom is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to describe avoidance of problems or difficult situations. It is often used in discussions about personal, social, or political issues.

English Dictionary

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