The common phrase "turn a blind eye" is often used to describe someone who ignores or overlooks something intentionally. It's believed the phrase stems from an old naval tradition in which a commanding officer pretended not to see his crew's misbehavior by turning a blind eye to it. The spelling of the word "turn" is pronounced /tərn/, while "blind" is pronounced /blaɪnd/ and "eye" is pronounced /aɪ/. The entire phrase is pronounced /tərn ə blaɪnd aɪ/.
"Turn a blind eye" is a commonly-used phrase in the English language that can be used idiomatically or idiosyncratically. Its meaning refers to willfully ignoring or deliberately neglecting something or someone, usually by intentionally diverting one's attention or pretending to be unaware of a situation. This expression often implies the act of deliberately ignoring unacceptable or morally wrong behavior, rather than actively addressing or confronting it.
Originating from the notion of a blind person pretending to be unaware of something they could actually see, the phrase has evolved to encompass situations where individuals choose to ignore or remain unaware of anything that they find inconvenient, unpleasant, or inappropriate. This could be due to a variety of reasons, such as a desire to maintain personal relationships, avoid conflict, or protect one's own interests.
"Turn a blind eye" can be applied to various scenarios, including overlooking unethical behavior, disregarding injustices, or turning away from inconvenient truths. It can be used in everyday language to describe situations where individuals purposely and knowingly avoid addressing something problematic, often to maintain the status quo or protect themselves from potential consequences.
In summary, "turn a blind eye" denotes the intentional act of ignoring or neglecting an issue or behavior, often due to personal reasons or a desire to avoid involvement or responsibility. It signifies a conscious choice to overlook something that should be acknowledged or dealt with.