Turn a Blind Eye — Meaning, Usage & Examples

What it means...

To ignore something on purpose, especially something wrong.

When you turn a blind eye, you choose not to act on what you know.

It is often used when a boss or leader lets bad behavior slide right in front of them.

Use it when…

When a manager ignores misconduct by a team member rather than addressing it
When rules or laws are known to be broken but no one takes action
When someone chooses not to acknowledge a problem in a relationship to avoid conflict

Don’t confuse with...

"Look the Other Way"

—

Deliberately avoiding dealing with something, often to give someone a pass

"Sweep Under the Rug"

—

Hiding a problem so it is not seen rather than just failing to act on it

"Turn a Blind Eye"

—

Deliberately ignoring something you are aware of, usually bad behavior

Where you’ll hear it

You’ll hear the "Turn a Blind Eye" idiom in real life — at work, in relationships, or in the media.

Work & Business

Corporate Issues

An investigation reveals that senior management turned a blind eye to financial irregularities for years.

Relationships & Social Life

Conflict / Arguments

A partner accuses the other of turning a blind eye to problems in their relationship instead of talking about them.

Media & Everyday Life

News

A report accuses regulators of turning a blind eye to safety violations in the industry.

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Use it like this

Here’s how to use "Turn a Blind Eye" idiom naturally in real conversations, with real examples.

Work & Business

Raising Concerns

You

I think HR has been turning a blind eye to the complaints about that team.

Colleague

I know — it's getting worse, and someone needs to escalate it.

Relationships

Honest Conversations

Friend

I knew what was happening but I didn't want to get involved.

You

I get it, but turning a blind eye has its own consequences.

Everyday Conversations

Opinions

Friend

Do you think people turn a blind eye to things like this in large companies?

You

All the time — it's easier than confronting something uncomfortable.

‹›

Last updated:

October 4, 2026

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