ignore Archives - Diana Derringer

Elephant in the Room

March 31, 2025 Diana Derringer Comments 6 comments

Few of us desire an elephant in the room. Not the kind on four legs and not unpleasant subjects.

An elephant in the room means a problem no one discusses.

The situation is:

Serious
Important
Obvious

We need to address the topic.

Everyone knows about it. However, no one wants to discuss it because it makes us feel:

Uncomfortable
Embarrassed
Awkward

As a result, we ignore the issue rather than rock the boat.

Families don’t mention strained relationships.
Workers overlook wasteful systems.
Friends choose peace over responsibility.

Excuses for ignoring difficult situations include:

“It’s none of my business.”
“No one gets hurt.”
“I don’t have time to get involved.”

We want to remain on the right track. At times, that means we avoid unnecessary problems. Other times, it means we stand firm for truth and examine the elephant

An elephant in the room’s origin is unknown.

According to The Phrase Finder, it probably began in the United States.

^“It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret” (Ephesians 5:12 NIV).

Thanks to Ann Klotz and Darrin Jenkins for the suggestion.

The Early Bird Gets the Worm Matin Wiles book — Version 1.0.0

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Happy as a Pig

April 5, 2021 Diana Derringer Comments 6 comments

Happy as a Pig-Gail Johnson Please welcome my friend Gail Johnson as today’s guest writer. Gail wrote her first song when she was twelve years old. Since then, she’s written more than 100 songs. She’s currently writing a contemporary romance series on the family farm where she enjoys her husband, kids, animals, and nature. To learn more about Gail, visit www.gailjohnsonauthor.com.

I’ve heard the phrase “Happy as a pig in the sunshine” all my life. In fact, I’ve used it several times when describing the animals on the farm.

According to Google, the correct saying is “Happy as a dead pig in the sunshine.” Eww! Big difference. When a pig dies, the sun will dry the skin, pulling it tight and leaving a grin on the face.

The old southern phrase describes someone who is blissfully ignorant of reality.

Happy as a Pig-two small pigs Rather than face the truth of a matter, one happily ignores it.

Examples include:

Ignoring chores to sit in the sunshine with a child or a friend.
Turning off the news for a quiet day of rest.
Avoiding social media for alone time.
Escaping current problems for a day at the beach.

Ignorance is not bliss.

Contrary to popular belief, ignoring something doesn’t make it go away. Disregarding something for too long can cause a person to be caught unaware or become overwhelmed. Think of the mess that would accumulate if we didn’t do our housework. How would we keep up with the world around us if we never listened to the news? What about our online responsibilities? The people who depend on us don’t disappear when we disengage. Finally, who wants to become a beach bum.

Be disciplined when choosing to ignore something.

Checking out occasionally is great for refilling our hearts, souls, and minds. But there comes a time to face reality once more. When thinking about ignoring something, think about the pig in the sunshine and remember he died to get that smile. Know when to stop ignoring the issue and start engaging with life again.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving” (Colossians 3:23-24 NIV).

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Photo courtesy of Gerhard G. from Pixabay.

In One Ear and Out the Other

September 21, 2020 Diana Derringer Comments 3 comments

In One Ear and Out the Other--three horses, only one looking and listening Many people wonder if anyone hears what they say. Their words seem to go in one ear and out the other.

Children ignore or forget what parents say.
Students fail to remember or do what teachers say.
Husbands or wives declare they did not hear their spouse’s words.
Pets pay no attention.

Those to whom they speak:

Hear noise
May hear words
Fail to hear the message

In one ear and out the other means people do not hear or quickly forget what another person says.

It often implies they do not listen or pay attention.

Occasionally it refers to selective hearing — hearing what they want to hear and ignoring the rest. Other times, people pay no attention to anyone whose beliefs differ from theirs.

Too many distractions cause many messages to go in one ear and out the other.

Distractions result from:

Multi-tasking — trying to do too much at the same time
Focusing on phones, television, books, or other interests rather than the person talking

People usually hear and remember if they stay all ears.

They focus totally on the person talking. They listen with their eyes as well as their ears. That kind of attention shows respect for the speaker and the speaker’s message — a good plan for anyone.

“Ears that hear and eyes that see—the Lord has made them both” (Proverbs 20:12 NIV).

Thanks to Emily Akin for the suggestion and Mary Lou Rafferty for the photo.

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Turn a Blind Eye

December 17, 2018 Diana Derringer Comments 5 comments

To turn a blind eye, we ignore something.

We pretend not to see it or know about it. However, we do see and know. We simply don’t want to do anything. We sweep it under the rug.

To turn a blind eye to small issues may cause no problem.

Children sneak a bit of food before dinner.
Families have small disagreements.
People make embarrassing mistakes.

To turn a blind eye to larger issues may cause great problems.

Children (or adults) have little or nothing to eat.
Family members suffer abuse.
People bully a disabled person.

We must take action when people suffer.

First, we figure out what we can do. Then we do it.

“Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing, but one who turns a blind eye will get many a curse” (Proverbs 28:27 NIV).

Thanks to Frank Cheatham for the suggestion and to Barbara Snow for the picture.

Do you have an expression you want explained or a thought about this one? If so, please comment below.

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