expression, godan verb (-su)
look away; avert one's eyes
Physically turning one's gaze away from something, often because it is unpleasant, embarrassing, or to avoid eye contact.
彼は気まずくて、思わず目をそらした。
He felt awkward and unintentionally looked away.
その写真はあまりに残酷で、
The photo was so cruel that I couldn't help but avert my eyes.
expression, godan verb (-su)
avoid facing reality; turn a blind eye
Metaphorical use: deliberately ignoring an unpleasant truth or situation, not just physically looking away.
現実から目をそらしてはいけない。
You must not look away from reality.
彼は自分の問題から目をそらし続けている。
He keeps turning a blind eye to his own problems.