SpeakUp

Grammar fix

turn a blind eye

ignore wrongdoing

To pretend not to notice something wrong, so you don't have to deal with it.

expressionB1common

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • The staff just turned a blind eye to people parking on the grass.talking about rules
  • A: Didn't anyone stop them?
    B: No, they all turned a blind eye.
    discussing rule-breaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: turn a blind eye (to [something])

WrongThey turn blind eyes to the problem.

RightThey turn a blind eye to the problem.

It's always singular: 'turn a blind eye to', not 'turn blind eyes'.

Patternturn a blind eye (to [something])

Don't confuse it

'Turn a blind eye' is choosing to ignore; 'look the other way' is the same idea, even more informal.

Try it in Daily Speak →