ENGLISH
REFERENCE

ostrich policy

idiom
Meaning

The tendency to ignore obvious problems and pretend they do not exist; ostrichism.


Origin

disputed origin

From ostrich + policy. Referring to the common misconception that ostriches bury their heads in the sand when they notice danger. Perhaps a calque, compare ostrich politics.

Examples
SIMPLE

Ignoring your mounting debt is a classic ostrich policy.

CONTEXTUAL

The manager adopted an ostrich policy regarding the budget cuts, hoping the staff would not notice the missing funds.

COMPLEX

By maintaining an ostrich policy in the face of mounting environmental evidence, the administration effectively ensured that the inevitable crisis would arrive without warning.

Anchors to
Related idioms1entry
  1. 01

    open-door policy

    A policy or usual practice, by a person in authority, of permitting subordinates or constituents to visit his or her office unannounced and at any reasonable time for the purpose of discussing matters of concern.

© 2026 English Reference