- Meaning
- This idiom describes ignoring or avoiding a problem, pretending it doesn’t exist, as if an ostrich buries its head in the sand to escape danger. It conveys denial or cowardice, often used in personal, social, or political contexts to critique inaction. The phrase carries a tone of reproach, frustration, or warning, reflecting cultural values of confronting issues and the human tendency to evade reality. Its animal imagery evokes a foolish escape, resonating in scenarios like financial troubles or conflicts. The idiom underscores the folly of denial, making it a sharp metaphor for avoidance.
- Origin
- The phrase originated in 19th-century Britain, tied to a mistaken belief that ostriches bury their heads to hide, popularized by Pliny the Elder’s *Natural History* (1st century AD). Its metaphorical use emerged in Charles Darwin’s *On the Origin of Species* (1859), noting the myth as a symbol of denial. The idiom gained traction in the early 20th century, particularly in political discourse, with *The Times* (1910s) using it for diplomatic avoidance. Its spread was amplified by psychology texts and media, notably in self-help books. Its adoption across English-speaking cultures stems from its vivid imagery and universal applicability to evasion.
- Variants
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- Head in the sand
- Burying your head in the sand
- Stick your head in the sand
- Examples
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- Burying your head in the sand won’t make the debt disappear.
- He’s got his head in the sand, ignoring the company’s declining sales.
- Stick your head in the sand, and the problem will only get worse.
- She buried her head in the sand, refusing to address the family conflict.
- Head in the sand, they ignored the environmental warnings for years.
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