What Does 'Turn a Blind Eye' Mean? (よく使う英語慣用語句) -N0.543-
What Does 'Turn a Blind Eye' Mean? (よく使う英語慣用語句)
Introduction:
Have you ever noticed something wrong but decided to ignore it on purpose? In English, we describe this behavior as “turning a blind eye.”
1. What Does 'Turn a Blind Eye' Mean?
To “turn a blind eye” means to deliberately ignore something, especially wrongdoing or a problem, even though you know it’s happening.
2. When to Use It
Use this phrase when someone chooses not to acknowledge a problem or pretends not to see it, often because it’s easier to avoid dealing with it.
Example:
A: The manager knew the employees were leaving early, but he turned a blind eye to it.
B: I guess he didn’t want any trouble.
3. 日本語の同じような表現
日本語では、「見て見ぬふりをする」や「知らないふりをする」といった表現が近いです。問題を分かっていながら、あえて無視する時に使います。
Conclusion:
When someone chooses to ignore a problem or wrongdoing, you can say they “turn a blind eye.” It’s a useful phrase to describe avoidance or deliberate inaction.