turn a blind eye

Meaning

Verb

• To ignore or deliberately overlook, especially with respect to something unpleasant or improper, to look the other way. To knowingly refuse to acknowledge something which you know to be real.

Origin

• Admiral Horatio Nelson said this when wilfully disobeying a signal to withdraw during a naval engagement.
• : You know, Foley, I have only one eye - and I have a right to be blind sometimes... I really do not see the signal. 1809,