Bury one’s head in the sand is an idiom that has been in use at least since the 1800s. We will examine the meaning of the idiom bury one’s head in the sand, where it came from, and some examples of its use in sentences.
To bury one’s head in the sand means to refuse to face a problem, to avoid confrontation, to ignore something that is unpleasant. Politicians are often accused of burying their heads in the sand. The idiom bury one’s head in the sand comes from the observation of ostriches. Ostriches are reputed to stick their heads in the sand when they are in danger. This is a myth. Ostriches do forage for food in the sand or turn their eggs in the sand, but they do not hide. Related phrases are buries one’s head in the sand, buried one’s head in the sand, burying one’s head in the sand.
Examples
“And one thing that I certainly am not is somebody who buries their head in the sand.” (Edinburgh News)
The process can be overwhelming and it’s tempting to bury your head in the sand. (The Reno Gazette Journal)
If you’re not feeling happy, not feeling yourself, don’t do what I did and bury your head in the sand for many sorrowful months! (The Isle of Man Today)
He said when interviewed about the matter, Culpin admitted he had buried his head in the sand and said he had done it out of “stupidity and greed”. (The Eastern Daily Press)