TURNING A BLIND EYE Meaning and
Definition
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"Turning a blind eye" is an idiomatic expression that refers to the act of deliberately ignoring or pretending not to notice something, especially when it is morally or ethically wrong. It is derived from the metaphorical image of someone physically averting their sight by closing or turning away their eyes, intentionally choosing to avoid acknowledging or addressing a particular situation or information.
This phrase is often used to describe instances where individuals or authorities willingly choose not to intervene or take action, even though they are aware of an issue or wrongdoing. It is an act of willingly ignoring the truth or reality to avoid any personal responsibility or consequence that may arise from acknowledging and dealing with the matter at hand.
"Turning a blind eye" can be motivated by various factors, such as fear, indifference, self-interest, or a desire to maintain harmony. It is a passive response that allows unjust or unethical situations to persist, contributing to the perpetuation of wrongdoing or ignorance. This phrase is commonly used to criticize individuals, organizations, or societies that purposely neglect to confront difficult or uncomfortable truths, favoring ignorance or avoidance instead.
The origin of the phrase can be traced back to the early 1800s and is often associated with Admiral Horatio Nelson, who allegedly turned a blind eye to his subordinate's violation of naval orders during the Battle of Copenhagen in 1801.
Common Misspellings for TURNING A BLIND EYE
- rurning a blind eye
- furning a blind eye
- gurning a blind eye
- yurning a blind eye
- 6urning a blind eye
- 5urning a blind eye
- tyrning a blind eye
- thrning a blind eye
- tjrning a blind eye
- tirning a blind eye
- t8rning a blind eye
- t7rning a blind eye
- tuening a blind eye
- tudning a blind eye
- tufning a blind eye
- tutning a blind eye
- tu5ning a blind eye
- tu4ning a blind eye
- turbing a blind eye
