head in the sand

Speech parts

1. head in the sand - Noun

2. head in the sand - Adjective

Meaning

head in the sand (plural heads in the sand)

A state of disregarding or denying a problem or threat.
People who deny the inevitable zombie apocalypse have their heads in the sand.

head-in-the-sand

Exhibiting disregard for, or denial of, a problem or threat.
The head-in-the-sand approach to economic problems frequently bankrupts companies.

Alternative names

head-in-the-sand

Synonyms

Related terms

Examples

America cannot be an ostrich with its head in the sand. Woodrow Wilson

I think we need to change that old saying, "I don't need a building to fall on me." Because two did and we still don't get it. I think we all stick our head in the sand as a deep human impulse. Bill Maher

And to stick our head in the sand and pretend that we are somehow safer if we do not know or to pretend we are somehow safer if we limit our options seems to me not only foolish but actually dangerous. Mac Thornberry

If you look at the various strategies available for dealing with a new technology, sticking your head in the sand is not the most plausible strategy. Ralph Merkle

...thousands of little children occupy sleeping quarters with parents and boarders whose every act is visible to all. Morality indeed! Society is much like the ostrich with its head in the sand. It will not look at facts and face the responsibility of its own stupidity. Margaret Sanger

I have a very ostrich mentality. I feel like I have my head in the sand so no one can see me. Lupita Nyong'o

Close letter words and terms