What does “None so blind as those who won’t see.” mean?

"None so blind as those who won't see" means that those who refuse to acknowledge or accept the truth or reality are the most ignorant or blind. It is impossible to convince someone who is not open to new ideas or perspectives.

What context can I use the in?

Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!

Example

No matter how much evidence you present, some people will never change their minds. None so blind as those who won’t see.

Example

It's frustrating trying to have a rational discussion with someone who is close-minded. None so blind as those who won’t see.

Example

I've tried explaining the situation to them multiple times, but they just refuse to understand. *None so blind as those who won’t see.

Is “None so blind as those who won’t see.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“None so blind as those who won’t see.” 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 “None so blind as those who won’t see.” effectively in context?

You can use "None so blind as those who won't see" to describe people who refuse to see or acknowledge the truth, even when it is right in front of them. It emphasizes the idea that some individuals are willfully ignorant and choose to ignore evidence or facts. For example, if someone is denying climate change despite overwhelming scientific evidence, you might say, 'There are none so blind as those who won't see.'

1Denial
He keeps denying the evidence and refusing to accept the truth. None so blind as those who won't see.
He keeps denying the evidence and refusing to accept the truth. None so blind as those who won't see.
2Ignorance
No matter how much evidence you present, some people will always choose to ignore it. None so blind as those who won't see.
No matter how much evidence you present, some people will always choose to ignore it. None so blind as those who won't see.
3Turning a blind eye
Even when faced with undeniable facts, some individuals still choose to turn a blind eye. None so blind as those who won't see.
Even when faced with undeniable facts, some individuals still choose to turn a blind eye. None so blind as those who won't see.

Similar phrases to “None so blind as those who won’t see.”:

Turn a blind eye

To deliberately ignore or pretend not to notice something

Example

The manager decided to turn a blind eye to his employee's tardiness.

Stick one's head in the sand

To ignore or avoid unpleasant or difficult situations

Example

Instead of facing the problem, she chose to stick her head in the sand.

Live in denial

To refuse to accept or acknowledge the truth

Example

Despite all the evidence, he continues to live in denial.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “None so blind as those who won’t see.” come from?

The origin of the phrase "None so blind as those who won't see" is unknown.

Is “None so blind as those who won’t see.” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "None so blind as those who won't see" is a well-known proverb that is commonly used in everyday conversation. People often use it to express frustration or disbelief towards individuals who refuse to acknowledge the truth.

What tone does “None so blind as those who won’t see.” have?

"None so blind as those who won't see" conveys a tone of exasperation and criticism. It highlights the stubbornness and willful ignorance of certain individuals.

Can “None so blind as those who won’t see.” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "None so blind as those who won't see" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a widely recognized proverb that conveys the idea of willful ignorance. You can use it in various contexts, such as discussions, debates, or even in writing.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'Despite all the evidence, he refuses to see the truth. None so blind as those who won't see.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the proverb even if used alone, like saying 'None so blind as those who won't see' to express frustration towards someone's refusal to acknowledge the truth.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

refuse to see the truth
willful ignorance
deliberate blindness
choose to be oblivious
ignore the facts

Antonyms

face the truth
acknowledge the facts
accept reality
open one's eyes
be aware of the truth