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Region: General | Usage example: You cannot keep your head in the sand about the audit

Head in the sand

Meaning

Ignore obvious problems in hopes they disappear

Usage

Used when someone avoids confronting issues

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Myth that ostriches bury their heads to hide

Used metaphorically since the 20th century

Related Idioms

A fish rots from the head down

Leadership problems tend to infect the whole group.

Hit the nail on the head

To say or identify something exactly right, with no wasted guessing.

Head in the clouds

Daydreaming or unrealistic.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.