Turn a blind eye

Meaning

Pretend not to notice something objectionable.

Usage

Used when someone intentionally ignores wrongdoing.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Often linked to Admiral Nelson at Copenhagen (1801), who is said to have put his telescope to his blind eye so as not to see a signal to withdraw. The phrase is older, though, and the story helped popularise it.

The expression is recorded before Nelson's time.