turn a blind eye

Speech parts

1. turn a blind eye - Verb

2. turn a blind eye - Phrase

Meaning

refuse to acknowledge

Source: WordNet

Synonyms

ignore discount neglect evade omit disregard overlook bypass cold-shoulder pass over brush off brush aside shrug off laugh off unhold
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Antonyms

mind consider note notice celebrate acknowledge
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Hypernyms

ignore discount dismiss disregard brush off brush aside

Related terms

willful blindness shut one's eyes close one's eyes

Examples

In the past I have defended the right of the IRA to engage in armed struggle. I did so because there was no alternative for those who would not bend the knee, or turn a blind eye to oppression, or for those who wanted a national republic. Gerry Adams

Violence and racism are bad. Whenever they occur they are to be condemned and we should not turn a blind eye to them. Cate Blanchett

It is the custom of the Roman Church which I unworthily serve with the help of God, to tolerate some things, to turn a blind eye to some, following the spirit of discretion rather than the rigid letter of the law. Pope Gregory VII

The newspapers turn a blind eye to how they get their material as long as they have great photographs. Sienna Miller

I try to live my life every day in the present, and try not to turn a blind eye to injustice and need. Susan Sarandon

Every unskilled illegal immigrant who enters the United States for work drives up healthcare costs for every American. And, every illegal immigrant we turn a blind eye toward weakens the rule of law our country is founded on. Elton Gallegly

Words in the phrase

turn a blind eye

Close letter words and terms

turmoiler turmut turn turn a corner turn a deaf ear turn a hair