Shut eyes to is a phrase used to describe the act of consciously or deliberately ignoring or disregarding something that is considered undesirable, unpleasant, or inconvenient. It implies the deliberate choice to ensure that one remains uninformed or unaffected by a particular issue, event, or problem.
When someone "shuts their eyes to" something, they purposefully avoid acknowledging or considering it. This can be done for various reasons, such as to avoid responsibility, maintain a state of blissful ignorance, or simply for personal convenience. The phrase can be used in both literal and metaphorical contexts.
In a literal sense, shutting one's eyes to something means physically closing one's eyes to avoid seeing something or to pretend that it does not exist. For example, if an individual encounters a distressing or unsettling scene, they may "shut their eyes to" the sight, hoping that by not witnessing it, it will cease to affect them emotionally.
Metaphorically, shutting one's eyes to a situation or problem involves choosing to turn a blind eye towards it, intentionally ignoring it, or refusing to acknowledge its existence. This may be done to maintain a sense of normalcy, avoid conflict, or deny accountability. It is often criticized as it reflects a lack of willingness to confront uncomfortable truths or take action when necessary.
Overall, shutting one's eyes to something implies an intentional desire to remain ignorant or unaffected by a certain issue, event, or problem, whether through closing one's eyes physically or metaphorically.
