Literal Translation: To cover one's ear to steal a bell.
Meaning: To try to conceal the facts of something one did or is doing.
During the Spring and Autumn's Warring States Period, there was a thief stole a bell. He was about to carry the bell away on his back. But the bell was too big and heavy, it was very hard to carry. Because of this he decided to use a hammer to break the bell into pieces, this way it will be much easier to carry. However, when he hit it, the bell made a loud noise. He was afraid that someone might hear the bell's sound and will try to steal the bell from him, so he plugged his own ears as he hammered at the bell. Nevertheless, even though he did this, other people can still hear the bell. Therefore, to cover one's ear to steal a bell is a very foolish behavior, comparable to burying one's head in the sand.
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