ostrich policy

The practice of avoiding, or trying to avoid, a particular situation by pretending that it does not exist. The phrase refers to the common but mistaken belief that ostriches bury their heads in the sand when frightened, so as to avoid being seen. Lou, you can't keep adopt this ostrich policy when it comes your health—please, make an appointment with your doctor and get that rash checked out! The government seems determined to maintain an ostrich policy in relation to the looming troubles many analysts have predicted for the financial markets.