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Processed with VS1Describe ignoring a difficult issue—and choose language that focuses on the behavior, not an insult.
VOA source audio
Source: VOA Learning English · Words and Their Stories
View original article & transcriptThis episode explains expressions for avoiding unpleasant facts and notes that the popular claim about ostriches hiding their heads in sand is a misconception.
Cultural note: Calling someone “head-in-the-sand” can sound accusatory. Describe the specific information or decision being avoided, especially in workplace or safety conversations.
Keep exploringIgnoring a problem does not make it disappear. Learn several idioms for avoidance, while separating a familiar myth from what the source explains about ostriches.
Phrase guide · 5 expressions
Original explanations and examples, created for learners. Save a card for later or hear the phrase spoken by your browser.
Describe pretending a difficult situation is not there.
Meaning
Avoid an unpleasant or difficult situation by pretending it does not exist.
Tone & use
Often critical. It can sound insulting when aimed at a person; name the facts or risks being ignored instead.
Example
“The team cannot bury its head in the sand about the repeated safety warnings.”
Meaning
Behave as if a clear problem or risk is not happening.
Tone & use
A shorter variation. Avoid presenting the idiom as proof that someone is deliberately dishonest or careless.
Example
“If we ignore the rising costs, we’ll have our heads in the sand.”
Use adjective forms for a way of thinking or planning.
Meaning
A way of acting or thinking that refuses to recognize an important problem.
Tone & use
Hyphenated before a noun as a compound adjective. It is strongly critical, so use with care.
Example
“A head-in-the-sand approach to the deadline will not help the project.”
Choose a direct alternative to the idiom.
Meaning
Stop ignoring the situation and recognize what is happening.
Tone & use
A blunt command that may sound rude. In collaborative settings, ask someone to review the evidence instead.
Example
“Let’s look at the missed milestones and make a recovery plan.”
Meaning
Accept the evidence or reality of a situation, even when it is unpleasant.
Tone & use
A clearer alternative to the sand idiom, but it can still sound forceful depending on tone.
Example
“We need to face the facts: the current schedule is no longer achievable.”
Knowledge check
Choose the expression that best fits each situation.
Try it · Choose the best expression
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