What does “Turn a blind eye” mean?
"Turn a blind eye" means to intentionally ignore or pretend not to notice something.
What context can I use the in?
Example
The teacher decided to turn a blind eye to the students passing notes in class.
Example
The manager chose to turn a blind eye to the employee's tardiness because they were a top performer.
Example
Despite the noise, the neighbors decided to turn a blind eye to the party happening next door
Is “Turn a blind eye” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Turn a blind eye” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Turn a blind eye” effectively in context?
You can use "Turn a Blind Eye" to describe the act of intentionally ignoring or pretending not to notice something. It implies a deliberate choice to overlook a situation or behavior. Here are three distinct situations where you can use this idiom effectively:
- 1Classroom
Despite the students passing notes, the teacher decided to turn a blind eye and focus on the lesson.
- 2Workplace
The manager chose to turn a blind eye to the employee's tardiness because they were a top performer.
- 3Neighborhood
Despite the noise, the neighbors decided to turn a blind eye to the party happening next door.
Similar phrases to “Turn a blind eye”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Turn a blind eye” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Turn a Blind Eye" can be traced back to a famous naval incident involving Admiral Horatio Nelson. During the Battle of Copenhagen in 1801, Nelson received a signal from his superior to discontinue the attack. However, Nelson, who was known for his boldness and disregard for orders, famously raised his telescope to his blind eye and claimed that he could not see the signal. This act of willful ignorance became known as 'turning a blind eye,' and the phrase has since been used to describe intentionally ignoring or pretending not to notice something.
Is “Turn a blind eye” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Turn a Blind Eye" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe situations where someone deliberately ignores or overlooks something, whether it's due to leniency, indifference, or a desire to avoid confrontation.
What tone does “Turn a blind eye” have?
"Turn a Blind Eye" conveys a tone of willful ignorance or deliberate avoidance. It suggests a conscious decision to ignore or pretend not to notice something, often with the implication that the person doing so is aware of the situation but chooses not to address it.
Can “Turn a blind eye” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Turn a Blind Eye" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that describes a common human behavior. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'The teacher decided to turn a blind eye and let the students pass notes.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to "turn a blind eye"!' to imply a deliberate choice to ignore something.
