turn a blind eye

To "turn a blind eye" is an idiom that means to pretend not to notice something or to deliberately ignore a situation, particularly one involving wrongdoing or impropriety. The phrase is historically attributed to Vice Admiral Horatio Nelson during the Battle of Copenhagen in 1801. Nelson, who was blind in one eye, allegedly held his telescope to that eye when signaled by his superior to withdraw. By claiming, "I really do not see the signal," he ignored the command and continued the engagement.

Usage of the term is contested in modern linguistics regarding ableism. For the majority of English speakers, the phrase is a standard idiom used without prejudice, serving as a historical reference to willful ignorance rather than a comment on visual impairment. However, advocates for inclusive language argue that using metaphors based on physical disabilities (such as "blind," "deaf," or "lame") to describe negative behaviors or ignorance reinforces ableist stereotypes. The critique suggests that equating a physical condition with a refusal to acknowledge reality subtly stigmatizes blindness.

Example:
"The administration was accused of choosing to turn a blind eye to the safety violations."

Example:
"We cannot simply turn a blind eye to the environmental impact of these policies."