Bury your Head in the Sand: Origin and Meaning

To ignore an unpleasant issue or problem

This idiom originates from the habit of ostriches. It is thought that ostriches bury their heads in the sand when faced with an attack by a predator. They do not actually bury their heads in the sand, but they do lower their heads when feeding or turning eggs in nests that they have built.

“I really don’t want to go to the dentist next week. If I bury my head in the sand, maybe it will come and go more quickly.”

“I find that the government always buries its head in the sand regarding this issue.”

Michael: “Have you started working on your thesis yet?”
Sarah: “No, it’s really difficult. I wish it would just go away!”
Michael: “Don’t bury your head in the sand, it won’t help matters.”