Friday, 1 June 2007

Phrase of the Day 93: 'turn a blind eye'

"to turn a blind eye"


definition: to knowingly refuse to acknowledge something which you know to be real.

(privrít oci, prehlížet, tolerovat)

example: "The police normally turn a blind eye if you give them some money"

origin: In the naval battle of Copenhagen in 1801 Nelson lead the attack of the British fleet against a joint Danish/Norwegian enemy. The British fleet of the day was commanded by Admiral Sir Hyde Parker. The two men disagreed over tactics and at one point Hyde Parker sent a signal (by the use of flags) for Nelson to disengage. Nelson was convinced he could win if he persisted and that's when he 'turned a blind eye'.

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