# rear one's head

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/rear-ones-head
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To appear and cause problems or stress, especially at an inopportune time (said of something or [rare] someone that is undesirable or unwelcome).

## Examples

- Old problems often rear their heads when you are busy.
- Just as we finished the project, a technical error reared its head and delayed our launch.
- Although they believed the long-standing conflict had been resolved, the issue reared its head once more during the final negotiations.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.