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?
- To seek help from others in solving an issue
- To confront a problem head-on
- To be overly cautious in decision-making
- To ignore a problem in hopes it will go away (correct)
Which behavior is incorrectly attributed to ostriches?
Which behavior is incorrectly attributed to ostriches?
- Flying to escape predators
- Running away from danger
- Hiding their heads in sand or bushes (correct)
- Kicking to defend themselves
Who is credited with popularizing the myth about ostriches burying their heads?
Who is credited with popularizing the myth about ostriches burying their heads?
- Charles Darwin
- Aristotle
- Albert Einstein
- Pliny the Elder (correct)
What is a true characteristic of ostriches?
What is a true characteristic of ostriches?
What does the behavior attributed to ostriches suggest about human responses to problems?
What does the behavior attributed to ostriches suggest about human responses to problems?
Study Notes
Idiom Meaning
- "To bury your head in the sand" signifies ignoring a problem with the hope it will resolve itself.
Origin of the Saying
- The phrase is derived from the behavior of ostriches, believed to hide their heads in the sand to evade threats.
Myth vs. Reality
- Ostrich behavior does not actually involve hiding their heads; this notion is a myth.
- This myth is likely rooted in the writings of Pliny the Elder, a Roman naturalist who theorized about ostrich behavior approximately 2,000 years ago.
Ostrich Characteristics
- Ostriches are the world's largest birds and possess remarkable speed, being the fastest two-legged creatures.
- Their physical strength includes a powerful kick capable of killing a lion, making them more inclined to flee or fight rather than hide.
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Description
This quiz explores the meaning, origin, and myths surrounding the idiom 'to bury your head in the sand.' Learn about the fascinating characteristics of ostriches and how the misinterpretation of their behavior contributed to this saying. Test your knowledge and discover the truth behind this popular expression.
