put your head in the sand
Meaning
To ignore an obvious problem or unpleasant reality instead of dealing with it.
Origin
From the (mistaken) belief that ostriches bury their heads in the sand when frightened, symbolizing denial and avoidance of danger.
Notes
Implies denial/avoidance and is often mildly critical. Used for ignoring problems rather than addressing them; common in both speech and writing.
Examples
-
We can't put our heads in the sand and pretend the problem will fix itself.
-
He put his head in the sand about his mounting debt until the bills started piling up.
-
If management keeps putting its head in the sand, the company will lose customers to competitors.
-
I know the news is upsetting, but putting your head in the sand won't help.
-
She stopped putting her head in the sand and finally went to the doctor for a checkup.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually used as "put your head in the sand" or "with your head in the sand"; pronoun changes (my/his/her/their). Often appears in continuous forms ("is putting...") and with figurative subjects.
Synonyms
- ignore the problem
- bury your head in the sand
- turn a blind eye
- be in denial
Antonyms
- face reality
- confront the problem
- deal with it
- take action