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Turn a blind eye

Turn a blind eye

Meaning

Refuse to acknowledge something that you know is genuine.

Examples

I knew where my grandson was hiding nut I decided to turn a blind eye and let him have his fun.

Where did it originate?

Britain, early 19th century. Most probably directly related to Nelson’s refusal to view an unwelcome signal.

Where is it used?

Worldwide.

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About the Author

Gary Martin is a writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.

Gary Martin

Writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.
Turn a blind eye

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