Podcast
Questions and Answers
What does the idiom ‘to bury your head in the sand’ imply?
What does the idiom ‘to bury your head in the sand’ imply?
Ostriches are commonly known to bury their heads in the sand when threatened.
Ostriches are commonly known to bury their heads in the sand when threatened.
False
Who was Pliny the Elder?
Who was Pliny the Elder?
A Roman naturalist
Ostriches are the __________ creatures on two legs.
Ostriches are the __________ creatures on two legs.
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Match the following facts about ostriches:
Match the following facts about ostriches:
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Study Notes
Idiom Meaning
- "To bury your head in the sand" indicates avoiding or ignoring a problem, with the hope it will resolve itself.
Origin of the Saying
- The idiom is based on ostrich behavior, suggesting they hide their heads in the sand to escape danger.
- The concept is rooted in a misunderstanding of actual ostrich behavior.
Historical Reference
- Pliny the Elder, a Roman naturalist, wrote about ostriches around 2000 years ago.
- He suggested that ostriches believed that by hiding their head and neck in bushes, their entire body was concealed.
Ostrich Behavior
- Ostriches do not traditionally bury their heads in the sand.
- They are known for their speed as the fastest bipedal creatures.
- Their legs possess strength capable of delivering a lethal kick to predators, including lions, suggesting they prefer to run or confront threats rather than hide.
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Description
This quiz explores the idiom 'to bury your head in the sand', which refers to ignoring problems in the hope they will disappear. You'll learn about the origin of this phrase, its connection to ostrich behavior, and the historical context provided by Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder. Test your knowledge of English idioms and their meanings!
