Sometimes people ignore a small mistake or let a friend get away with something cheeky. That’s exactly what it means to turn a blind eye. This idiom appears in daily life, literature, and politics—anywhere someone chooses to look the other way instead of facing an issue.
Meaning of "Turn a Blind Eye"
At its core, to turn a blind eye means to deliberately ignore something wrong or undesirable.
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Primary meaning: Choosing to ignore a situation, problem, or fact.
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Secondary meaning: Pretending not to notice something you could see or should address.
In short: It’s consciously overlooking something instead of dealing with it.
Origin of "Turn a Blind Eye"
The phrase traces back to the early 19th century and is famously linked to Vice Admiral Horatio Nelson of the British Navy.
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During the Battle of Copenhagen in 1801, Nelson received an order to retreat. According to popular accounts, he lifted his telescope to his blind eye and claimed he did not see the signal, continuing the attack.
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This deliberate act of ignoring the command inspired the idiom used today.
Although some historians debate the details, the story is widely accepted as the most likely origin, perfectly capturing the idea of choosing ignorance on purpose.
Examples in Sentences
Here are ways the idiom can appear in different contexts:
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Workplace: The manager turned a blind eye to minor errors in the report to avoid upsetting the team.
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Family: Mom turned a blind eye when I sneaked an extra cookie from the jar.
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School: The teacher sometimes turns a blind eye to students chatting quietly during class.
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Politics: Critics argue that the government turned a blind eye to corruption in local offices.
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Friendship: She turned a blind eye to her friend’s forgetfulness about meeting up, understanding it wasn’t intentional.
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Sports: The referee turned a blind eye to the minor foul to keep the game flowing smoothly.
Similar Idioms or Phrases
Several idioms share a similar meaning:
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Look the other way: To intentionally ignore something wrong.
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Sweep under the rug: To hide or ignore problems instead of addressing them.
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Turn a deaf ear: To refuse to listen or pay attention to something undesirable.
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Bury one’s head in the sand: To ignore a problem hoping it will go away.
Each phrase emphasizes avoiding a problem rather than confronting it directly.
Sometimes ignoring a small issue feels like the simplest solution, especially when it avoids unnecessary conflict. I notice this idiom comes up often in office politics or family dynamics, where discretion and patience can be just as powerful as direct action. It’s a reminder that choosing what to confront and what to overlook can be a delicate balance.
Using turn a blind eye in conversations or writing can add flair while expressing subtle judgment or tolerance. Whether in work, school, or personal life, the idiom highlights moments when ignoring something is intentional rather than accidental. Do you use turn a blind eye in your everyday conversations?