Phrases & IdiomsIdiom guide

Turn a Blind Eye

“Turn a Blind Eye” it means to deliberately ignore something you know is wrong or should be addressed.. This guide focuses on the documented modern idiomatic meaning and does not claim an unsupported exact origin date.

Quick answer

It means to deliberately ignore something you know is wrong or should be addressed.

Key details

Canonical Formturn a blind eye
Core Meaningdeliberately ignore something that you know is wrong or should be noticed

Further guidance

History Boundary

This guide establishes the documented modern meaning and does not claim an exact inventor, coinage date, or absolute first use.

Meaning

Deliberately ignore something that you know is wrong or should be noticed.

Usage Boundary

Use the expression where the documented figurative meaning fits; do not present an appealing origin story as established history without stronger evidence.

Sources and evidence

Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.

  1. Turn a blind eye — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · Current idiom meaning: deliberately ignore something known to be wrong

Related guides

Phrases & Idioms

Keep an Eye On

“Keep an eye on” is used for watching, taking care of, or monitoring someone or something. The exact implication depends on context, from brief supervision to staying informed about changes.

Phrases & Idioms

Turn Over a New Leaf

“Turn Over a New Leaf” means beginning to behave in a better way or making a positive fresh start. The page focuses on that current idiomatic sense and leaves unsupported exact-origin claims unpublished.

Phrases & Idioms

Turn the Tables

“Turn the Tables” to reverse a situation so that the previously weaker side gains the advantage. This guide keeps the explanation at the documented modern meaning and does not turn an unsupported origin story into fact.

Phrases & Idioms

A Change of Heart

A “change of heart” means changing your opinion or feelings about something. The guide establishes the present-day idiom and does not invent an exact coinage or first-use account.

Phrases & Idioms

A Fine Line

A “fine line” is a very small distinction between two things, often used when crossing that distinction changes what is acceptable or appropriate.

Phrases & Idioms

A Slap on the Wrist

“A slap on the wrist” is an informal idiom for a mild warning or punishment. It is usually figurative and can carry the implication that the consequence was light compared with what was expected or deserved. This guide does not attach an unsupported origin chronology.

Phrases & Idioms

A Taste of Your Own Medicine

“A taste of your own medicine” refers to treating someone in the same unpleasant way that they have treated others. Cambridge records both “dose” and “taste” in the established expression. This guide limits the page to current form and meaning and does not add an unsupported origin story.

Phrases & Idioms

Acid Test

Use “acid test” for a test or standard that reveals whether something really has the claimed quality, value, or success. The guide stays with current documented meaning and does not assert unsupported origin chronology.

Explore the topic