Example: Je moet niet altijd je kop in het zand steken voor problemen.
Definition
"De kop in het zand steken" is a Dutch expression meaning to ignore or avoid facing problems or difficult situations, hoping they will disappear on their own. It is used to describe someone who chooses denial instead of confronting reality.
The phrase "de kop in het zand steken" literally translates to 'stick your head in the sand.' It originates from the mistaken belief that ostriches bury their heads in the sand to avoid danger, symbolizing avoidance or denial. This vivid image has made the phrase a popular metaphor in Dutch and other languages.
Learn to use this expression actively
"De kop in het zand steken" appears in the Vocaplus list "Dutch - General - Idioms and Proverbs - (C1) - set 1", containing 100 commonly used expressions.
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to bury one's head in the sand