- To ignore or refuse to acknowledge unpleasant realities, problems, or dangers, hoping they will go away.
Explanation
Origin
- Based on the incorrect folk belief that ostriches bury heads in sand when scared (they actually lower heads to ground or tend nests).
- The inaccurate image became a popular metaphor for willful ignorance or avoidance.
- Used since the early 20th century.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Be in denial.
- Stick your head in the clouds. (Implies being unaware or unrealistic, slightly different)
- Wishful thinking. (Hoping something is true when it likely isn't)
Vulgar/Emphatic:
- Stop being fucking oblivious!
- Get your head out of your ass! (Crude: stop being stupid or unaware)
Milder/Standard:
- Avoid facing reality.
- Ignore the warning signs.
- Fail to acknowledge the situation.
Situational Appropriateness
- Informal to formal.
- It's a critical assessment of someone's avoidance behavior.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Based on a myth, but the meaning (willful ignorance of problems) is key, not the zoology.
Examples
- You can't just bury your head in the sand about your debts; they won't disappear.
- The government was accused of burying its head in the sand over the climate crisis.
Dialogue
Clara: I haven't looked at my credit card statement in months. I'm too scared.
Dan: You can't just bury your head in the sand, Clara. Ignoring it will only make it worse. Let's look at it together.
Clara: Okay, okay. You're right.
Social Media Examples
- Political Commentary: Critics say the administration is burying its head in the sand regarding inflation's impact on families. #Economy #Politics
- Self-Help Post: Stop burying your head in the sand about your mental health. Acknowledge your feelings and seek support. #MentalHealthAwareness #SelfCare
- Forum Advice: Dude, you know she's not interested. Stop burying your head in the sand and move on. #RelationshipAdvice #ToughLove
Response Patterns
If accused:
- Defensive: I'm not ignoring it, I'm just prioritizing!
- Denial: Deny the problem exists.
If used as a warning (Don't bury your head in the sand):
- Agreement: You're right, I need to deal with this.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After accusing someone:
- Urge specific actions: You need to call the bank, We need to discuss this.
If someone admits doing this:
- Next step is usually planning how to address the problem.
Conversation Starter
- No.
- Describes an attitude or behavior in response to a problem.
Intonation
- Stress on bury, head, and sand. BURY your HEAD in the SAND.
- Often said with criticism, frustration, or as a warning against inaction.
Generation Differences
- Widely understood and used across generations.
Regional Variations
- Common in all major English-speaking regions.