The boiling frog is an anecdote used as a metaphor that describes a frog being put into boiling water. According to the story, if a frog were to be placed into water already boiling, it would jump out. However, if the frog were to be placed into cold water that was eventually brought to boil, it would not notice the danger and be cooked to death. This story is analogous to a reluctance in noticing potential threats if they gradually appear. Debate surrounds the appropriate use of the boiling frog story due to its inaccuracy regarding the real behaviour of frogs. Some commentators point out that while the story may be useful for metaphor, it is necessary to point out that, in reality, this does not occur. Others have likened the boiling frog to the metaphor about an ostrich with its head in the sand.