TURNING BLIND EYE Meaning and
Definition
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The phrase "turning a blind eye" is an idiomatic expression that refers to the act of consciously ignoring or deliberately not acknowledging a certain situation or wrongdoing, especially when one has the responsibility or authority to intervene. This expression conveys the idea of intentionally choosing to disregard something that should be addressed or corrected. It suggests an act of willful ignorance or the refusal to take action in a given circumstance.
The origin of this phrase can be traced back to the story of Admiral Horatio Nelson, who supposedly turned a blind eye to the signals instructing him to discontinue the battle during the Battle of Copenhagen in 1801. Although Nelson allegedly held his telescope to his blind eye, ignoring the orders, the story may be apocryphal. Nevertheless, the term "turning a blind eye" gained its popularity and came to represent the act of purposefully not seeing or acknowledging something.
The idiom has since become a figurative expression used in various contexts. It is often employed to describe situations where someone overlooks or ignores something due to personal interest, to avoid confrontation, or to protect oneself or others. It conveys a sense of deliberately shutting off one's perception to prevent the acknowledgment or intervention of an issue, often resulting in negative consequences or a failure to address a problem.
Common Misspellings for TURNING BLIND EYE
