The spelling of the phrase "blink at" can be a little confusing, as the pronunciation doesn't quite match up with the way it's spelled. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word "blink" is spelled /blɪŋk/, with a voiced velar nasal at the end. Meanwhile, the word "at" is spelled /æt/, with a short "a" sound and a voiceless alveolar stop at the end. When pronounced together, the "ngk" and "t" sounds can blend together, making it sound like "blink-et" instead of "blink-at."
To "blink at" means to disregard, overlook, or ignore something intentionally or casually, usually something that is considered strange, inappropriate, or unacceptable. The phrase is derived from the act of blinking, which is the rapid closing and opening of the eyes. When someone blinks at a situation or behavior, they choose not to pay attention or give importance to it as if they are metaphorically "closing their eyes" to avoid confronting it.
The phrase "blink at" is often used when someone deliberately turns a blind eye to something that they should acknowledge or address. It implies a level of indifference or unwillingness to acknowledge the significance or consequences of an action or occurrence. For instance, if there is evidence of wrongdoing, but a person chooses to blink at it, they are consciously choosing not to take any action or ignore it in order to avoid dealing with the potential consequences.
Moreover, "blink at" can also imply a failure to react appropriately to a situation due to oversight or neglect. It suggests a lack of attention to detail, disregarding the importance of remaining alert or vigilant. This phrase is commonly used when discussing errors or mistakes that could have been prevented with proper care or attention.
Overall, to "blink at" signifies deliberately ignoring, overlooking, or neglecting something, often implying a lack of concern or avoidance of responsibility towards the matter at hand.
The phrase "blink at" is derived from the verb "blink", which comes from the Middle English word "blenken" meaning "to shine, gleam, or flicker". This Middle English word ultimately traces back to the Old Norse word "blenkja" which had a similar meaning. Over time, the word "blink" also took on the sense of quickly closing and reopening the eyes, which gave rise to the figurative meaning of intentionally ignoring or turning a blind eye to something. Thus, the phrase "blink at" means to disregard or fail to take notice of something.