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To turn a blind eye

Meaning: To deliberately ignore something you know is wrong.

Language: English

Literally: To look with the eye that cannot see

Category: Body & Senses

Origin: Legend says Admiral Nelson, ordered to withdraw at Copenhagen in 1801, raised the telescope to his blind eye and declared he saw no signal.

More idioms — Body & Senses

  • To bite the bullet — To face something painful with gritted courage.
  • Hablar por los codos — To talk nonstop.
  • Costar un ojo de la cara — To be outrageously expensive.
  • Quedarse de piedra — To be stunned speechless.
  • 발이 넓다 — To be extremely well-connected.
  • Å ha bein i nesa — To be assertive and able to stand your ground.

More English idioms

  • Hair of the dog — A morning drink taken to cure a hangover.
  • To go cold turkey — To quit a habit abruptly and completely.
  • To cut the mustard — To meet the required standard; to succeed.
  • To chew the fat — To chat idly and at length.
  • By the skin of your teeth — By the narrowest possible margin.
  • To rain on someone's parade — To spoil someone's plans or happy moment.

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