Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
to rear its ugly head
idiomatic expression
/tə rɛr ɪts ˈʌɡli hɛd/
Definition
to appear or become noticeable, especially in a way that is unpleasant or unwelcome.
Examples
- Just when everything seemed fine, the old issues began to rear their ugly heads again.
- Every time we start a new project, budget constraints rear their ugly heads.
Meaning
This phrase conveys the emergence of something negative or problematic that one would prefer to avoid.
Synonyms
- to surface
- to emerge
- to come to light
