Translation guide
The act of deliberately ignoring something, pretending not to notice, or overlooking a wrongdoing or problem. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various verbs, phrases, and idiomatic expressions that convey willful ignorance or passive tolerance.
To intentionally overlook a mistake, rule-breaking, or unethical behavior, often implying a conscious choice not to intervene.
He turned a blind eye to the wrongdoing.
The boss turned a blind eye to his subordinate's mistake.
Literally 'to close one's eyes.' Used figuratively to mean overlooking or tolerating something, often with a nuance of leniency or forgiveness.
I'll turn a blind eye to his mistake this time.
The police were turning a blind eye to the illegal activity.
Means 'to overlook' or 'to let pass.' It can be used for both accidental overlooking and intentional turning a blind eye, depending on context.
I turned a blind eye to his tardiness.
Means 'to overlook' or 'to tolerate' with a sense of generosity or leniency. Often used when someone forgives a minor fault.
Since it's my first mistake, please turn a blind eye.
Means 'to tacitly permit' or 'to connive at.' It implies a more official or systematic turning a blind eye, often used in formal contexts.
The government was turning a blind eye to the corruption.
To feign ignorance of an awkward, embarrassing, or inconvenient situation to avoid confrontation or discomfort.
Literally 'to pretend not to notice.' Used when one deliberately ignores something to avoid an awkward situation.
She turned a blind eye to his slip of the tongue.
A casual expression meaning 'to act as if one doesn't know' or 'to ignore.' Often used in everyday situations.
To consciously avoid acknowledging a difficult truth or issue, often because it is inconvenient or unpleasant.
Both mean 'to turn a blind eye,' but 見て見ぬふり emphasizes the act of pretending not to see something one has clearly witnessed, while 目をつぶる often carries a nuance of intentional leniency or forgiveness. 見て見ぬふり can imply cowardice or complicity, whereas 目をつぶる can be an act of mercy.
It's not good to turn a blind eye to bullying.
To turn a blind eye to a child's mischief.
Do not translate 'turning a blind eye' literally as 盲目の目を向ける. This is nonsensical in Japanese. Use the idiomatic expressions provided.
Even though the neighbor was in trouble, everyone turned a blind eye.
The company is turning a blind eye to environmental issues.