The idiom "bury one's head in the sand" is often associated with the myth that ostriches bury their heads in the sand when they are confronted with danger. This, however, is not true; ostriches do not exhibit this behavior. The idiom likely originated from this misconception and has been used metaphorically to describe people who ignore or deny problems, unpleasant facts, or dangers instead of confronting them. This expression is used to criticize individuals or groups who refuse to acknowledge or address issues, challenges, or threats that are apparent to others. It implies a willful act of avoiding reality or pretending that problems do not exist. The idiom often carries a negative connotation, suggesting that such avoidance can lead to negative consequences or exacerbate existing problems.

What is the origin of the idiom "bury one's head in the sand" and when to use it?

to [bury|have] {one's} head in the sand

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The idiom "in the dark" dates back to the late 1600s and has its roots in the idea that darkness represents ignorance or lack of knowledge. Just as you can't see in the dark, being "in the dark" means being uninformed or unaware of something. This expression is used to describe a situation in which someone lacks information or knowledge about a particular subject, event, or circumstance. It implies a state of ignorance or being kept unaware intentionally or unintentionally.

What is the origin of the idiom "in the dark" and when to use it?

in the dark

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The idiom "out of the loop" likely originated in aviation and military contexts, where it referred to a pilot or personnel who was not included in a particular flight plan or information loop. This phrase is used to describe a person who is not privy to the current information, developments, or decisions within a specific group, organization, or social circle. It implies a lack of awareness or being excluded from important communication.

What is the origin of the idiom "out of the loop" and when to use it?

out of the loop

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The origin of the idiom "turn a deaf ear" lies in the concept of intentionally ignoring or disregarding what is being said. This phrase draws upon the physical condition of deafness, where individuals are unable to hear or comprehend sound. It can be used in personal relationships, professional settings, or even in broader societal discussions.

What is the origin of the idiom "turn a deaf ear" and when to use it?

to [turn] a deaf ear

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The idiom "fall on deaf ears" likely originated from the literal concept that if you speak or make a sound and the person you're addressing is deaf, your words won't be heard or understood. It has been in use since at least the 17th century and is a metaphorical expression that extends this idea to mean that your words or pleas are not being heeded or considered by someone who is not receptive. This expression is used to describe a situation where your words, requests, advice, or pleas are being ignored or disregarded by someone who is not interested in listening or responding. It implies a lack of receptiveness or empathy on the part of the listener.

What is the origin of the idiom "fall on deaf ears" and when to use it?

to [fall] on deaf ears

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The origin of the idiom "go in one ear and out the other" is rooted in the simple concept of auditory perception. It reflects the idea that when something is heard or spoken to a person, it may enter one ear but not be retained or comprehended and instead quickly exits through the other ear. This idiom has been in use since at least the 19th century. This expression is used to describe a situation where information, advice, or instructions are heard but not absorbed or remembered by the listener.

What is the origin of the idiom "go in one ear and out the other" and when to use it?

to [go] in one ear and out the other

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The idiom "the blind leading the blind" has its origins in the Bible, specifically in the Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 15:14): "Let them alone; they are blind guides of the blind. And if a blind man guides a blind man, both will fall into a pit." This biblical metaphor reflects the idea of someone who lacks knowledge or understanding trying to lead or guide others who are equally lacking in those qualities. This expression is used to describe a situation in which an uninformed or inexperienced person is attempting to guide or advise others who are similarly uninformed or inexperienced. It implies that none of them possess the necessary knowledge or expertise, and the outcome is likely to be disastrous or ineffective.

What is the origin of the idiom "the blind leading the blind" and when to use it?

the blind leading the blind

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The idiom "fall through the cracks" is a metaphorical expression that originated from the idea of something slipping or dropping through the gaps or openings in a structure, much like an object falling through the gaps between floorboards or the cracks in a pavement. In a figurative sense, it came to be used to describe situations where individuals or things are overlooked or neglected within a system, process, or set of rules. The phrase is used to convey the idea that despite efforts to create a comprehensive or foolproof system, there are inherent flaws or oversights that allow some elements to escape notice or attention.

What is the origin of the idiom "fall through the cracks" and when to use it?

to [fall] (through|between) the cracks

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The origin of the idiom "fall through the cracks" is rooted in the metaphorical concept of something slipping or dropping through the gaps or openings in a structure. The phrase draws on the imagery of objects falling through the spaces between floorboards or the cracks in pavement. Over time, this literal idea evolved into a figurative expression used to describe instances where people or things are overlooked or neglected within a system, process, or set of rules.

The origin of the idiom "sweep something under the rug" can be traced back to the practice of physically sweeping dirt or debris under a rug to conceal it from view. The idiom figuratively refers to the act of hiding or covering up a problem, mistake, or unpleasant truth in order to avoid addressing or dealing with it openly. It can be used in discussions about politics, scandals, organizational misconduct, or even in interpersonal relationships where individuals choose to gloss over issues rather than confronting them head-on.

What is the origin of the idiom "sweep something under the rug" and when to use it?

to [sweep] {sth} under the rug

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The origin of the idiom "turn a blind eye" can be traced back to the famous British Admiral Horatio Nelson. According to a widely accepted account, during the Battle of Copenhagen in 1801, Nelson's superior, Admiral Sir Hyde Parker, signaled for him to withdraw from the battle. However, Nelson, who had only one eye due to an earlier injury, held his telescope to his blind eye and famously said, "I really do not see the signal." He went on to achieve victory in the battle. This incident gave rise to the expression "to turn a blind eye," which means to deliberately ignore or overlook something. This expression is used to describe the act of ignoring or deliberately not noticing something, especially when it involves wrongdoing, rule-breaking, or misconduct. It implies a willful decision not to take action or intervene in a situation where one should.

What is the origin of the idiom "turn a blind eye" and when to use it?

to [turn] a blind eye

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The idiom "ostrich strategy" is a metaphorical expression that likens a particular approach to the behavior of ostriches. The idiom is derived from the popular but inaccurate belief that ostriches bury their heads in the sand when they encounter danger, as a way of avoiding the threat. In reality, ostriches do not bury their heads in the sand, but this misconception has persisted in popular culture. This expression is used to suggest that instead of facing a problem head-on and taking appropriate action, someone or an organization chooses to ignore the issue or pretend it doesn't exist, much like the mythical behavior attributed to ostriches.

What is the origin of the idiom "ostrich strategy" and when to use it?

ostrich (strategy|plan)

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The idiom "fall through the net" likely originates from the imagery of a safety net or mesh designed to catch and prevent things from escaping. When used, it typically refers to a situation where someone or something goes unnoticed or is overlooked, often in the context of a system, plan, or organization. It suggests a failure in the intended mechanism, allowing an undesirable outcome or oversight to occur. This expression is commonly employed to highlight instances where individuals or issues slip past the attention or control of someone or something that was supposed to provide security or oversight.

What is the origin of the idiom "slip through the cracks" and when to use it?

to [slip|fall] through the net

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The idiom "fall through the net" likely originates from the imagery of a safety net or mesh designed to catch and prevent things from escaping. When used, it typically refers to a situation where something goes unnoticed or is overlooked, often in the context of a system, plan, or organization. It suggests a failure in the intended mechanism, allowing an object, information, or opportunity to be missed or neglected.

What is the origin of the idiom "fall through the net" and when to use it?

Dive into English idioms regarding ignorance, like "fall on deaf ears" and "turn a blind eye".

English Idioms for "Ignorance"