Idiom B2

Turn a blind eye

To deliberately ignore something you know to be wrong or problematic.

Meaning

Turn a blind eye — To deliberately ignore something you know to be wrong or problematic. When someone turns a blind eye, they choose not to notice or take action even though they are fully aware of the situation.

Origin & History

This idiom is associated with the British naval hero Admiral Horatio Nelson. At the Battle of Copenhagen in 1801, Nelson's superior officer signalled him to withdraw from the fight. Nelson, who had lost the sight in one eye, reportedly raised his telescope to his blind eye and declared that he could not see the signal — and continued his attack, which proved victorious.

Whether the story is entirely accurate, it entered popular culture and gave English the phrase 'turn a blind eye' — meaning to deliberately overlook something inconvenient or wrong. The expression has been in common use since at least the early 19th century.

Example Sentences

SentenceContext
Management turned a blind eye to the safety violations for years until the accident happened. Workplace — ethical negligence
The teacher turned a blind eye when students used their phones during the last five minutes of class. Informal tolerance of a minor rule-break
Critics accused the government of turning a blind eye to corruption within its own ranks. Political journalism / formal writing
She knew her flatmate was taking food from the fridge without asking, but she turned a blind eye to keep the peace. Everyday social situation

How to Use It

'Turn a blind eye' is used to describe a deliberate decision to ignore wrongdoing. It implies the person is aware of the problem but chooses not to act — often to avoid conflict, protect themselves, or maintain a convenient situation.

When to use it

  • Discussing ethical failures in workplaces or institutions
  • Describing someone who ignores a rule or law for convenience
  • In journalism, reports, or academic writing about accountability
  • In conversation when criticising deliberate inaction

When NOT to use it

  • When someone genuinely did not notice — the idiom requires intent
  • To describe physical blindness or a medical condition
  • In positive contexts — turning a blind eye always carries a critical undertone
  • Do not mix with 'turn a deaf ear' — those are different idioms

The idiom works equally well in formal and informal registers. You will find it in newspaper editorials and official inquiries just as readily as in casual conversation.

Common Mistakes

Mistakes to Avoid

She turned a blind eye because she didn't notice the problem.

She turned a blind eye even though she knew about the problem. — The idiom requires awareness and deliberate choice.

He turned a deaf eye to the complaints from staff.

He turned a blind eye to the complaints from staff. — The fixed phrase is always 'blind eye', never 'deaf eye'.

The company was turning blind eyes to the issue.

The company was turning a blind eye to the issue. — Always use the article 'a'; the idiom does not work in the plural.

Related Idioms

Look the other way Sweep under the rug Bury your head in the sand Let sleeping dogs lie Sit on the fence All Idioms →

Practise This Idiom

Test your understanding of 'turn a blind eye' with these interactive exercises:

Idioms Quiz True or False Matching Pairs

Practice English Idioms

Use these exercises to master idioms in context:

Idioms Quiz Matching Pairs True or False

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "Turn a blind eye" mean?
"Turn a blind eye" means to deliberately ignore something you know to be wrong or problematic. When someone turns a blind eye, they choose not to notice or take action, even though they are fully aware of the situation.
Where does the idiom "Turn a blind eye" come from?
The phrase is associated with Admiral Horatio Nelson at the Battle of Copenhagen in 1801. When a signal was sent ordering him to withdraw, Nelson reportedly raised his telescope to his blind eye and said he could not see the signal, allowing him to press on to victory. Whether the story is entirely accurate, it stuck in the public imagination and gave us this idiom.
Can you give an example of "Turn a blind eye" in a sentence?
Here is an example: "Management turned a blind eye to the safety violations for years until the accident happened." The idiom shows that the people in charge were aware of the problem but chose not to address it.
Is "Turn a blind eye" formal or informal?
This idiom can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It appears in newspaper articles, official reports, and academic writing, as well as in everyday spoken English. It carries a tone of criticism toward the person doing the ignoring.
What CEFR level is "Turn a blind eye"?
This idiom is typically taught at B2 level. It is an upper-intermediate expression that appears frequently in written journalism, politics, and formal discussions about ethics or responsibility.
What are common mistakes with "Turn a blind eye"?
A common mistake is using it to mean simply not noticing something. The idiom specifically implies a deliberate choice to ignore something the person already knows about. Also avoid mixing it with other eye idioms — for example, do not say 'turn a deaf eye' (that mixes it with 'turn a deaf ear').
What idioms are similar to "Turn a blind eye"?
Similar idioms include: look the other way, turn a deaf ear, sweep something under the rug, and bury your head in the sand. All describe avoiding or ignoring a problem, though they differ slightly in nuance.
How do I practise idioms like "Turn a blind eye"?
LexFizz's Quiz, True or False, and Matching Pairs exercises are excellent for practising English idioms in context. Try writing your own sentences using the idiom and look for it in news articles or opinion pieces where ethical issues are discussed.
Can "Turn a blind eye" be used in writing?
Yes. Unlike many idioms that are restricted to informal speech, 'turn a blind eye' is fully acceptable in formal writing including journalism, academic essays, and official reports. It conveys deliberate negligence clearly and concisely.
Does "Turn a blind eye" have the same meaning in British and American English?
Yes, "Turn a blind eye" is understood equally in both British and American English with the same meaning: to deliberately ignore something wrong. The Nelson origin story is better known in British culture, but the idiom is widely used and recognised across all major English-speaking countries.