turn a blind eye
Say it: turn a blind EYE /ˌtɜːn ə ˌblaɪnd ˈaɪ/ · idiom
What “turn a blind eye” means
Choose to ignore wrongdoing you know is happening.
More precisely: To deliberately ignore something wrong that you know is happening.
Example: “The manager turned a blind eye to staff leaving early on Fridays.”
When to use it
When someone knowingly ignores wrongdoing instead of dealing with it. Common language, usually critical of the person ignoring it.
Similar words
look the other way, overlook, ignore
Quick check
A referee notices a player cheating but deliberately looks away and lets play continue. Which phrase describes this?
turn a blind eye or give the benefit of the doubt?
Show the answer
turn a blind eye
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