rear its ugly head

Idioms  

1. Appear. This phrase is used only of something undesirable or unpleasant, as in The interview went very well until a question about his academic record reared its ugly head. This expression was first recorded in slightly different form in Anthony Trollope's Barchester Towers (1857): “Rebellion had already reared her hideous head.”

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Example Sentences

"We are in contact with the Jewish community and local authorities," Saar said on X. "Antisemitism must never be allowed to rear its ugly head."

From Barron's • Mar. 12, 2026

With a few dozen cases popping up here and there each year, as soon as vaccination rates dip, the illness rears can rear its ugly head once more—just as it is right now.

From Slate • Mar. 18, 2025

"I've said this numerous times recently, I think the argument about Arsenal's lack of prolific goalscorer will rear its ugly head again," Walcott continued.

From BBC • Feb. 21, 2024

And this one, of course it was this one, where we all may have seen the truth rear its ugly head.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 2, 2024

She saw too well that covetousness was still lurking snakelike in the bosom of man, ready to rear its ugly head and strike at any hand.

From A Bed of Roses by George, Walter Lionel