Turn it away

What does mean the phrase in this sentence? ... tell him "you can turn it away but you can not make it go away"

Whatever the "it" is in your source material, is being compared to a particularly persistent uninvited guest, who when you refuse admittance still hangs around outside your door, perhaps knocking or ringing the bell, generally working on your last nerve.

[have never heard it as a phrase]It may also relate to an interpretation of the King Cnut story of his Barons' wanting him to sort out their messy affairs,ordering the waves to recede.Just an idea! Parthian