expression, ichidan verb
look away; avert one's gaze
Physically turning one's eyes away from something, often because it is unpleasant, embarrassing, or shocking.
彼は事故の現場から目を背けた。
He looked away from the scene of the accident.
彼女は恥ずかしくて彼から目
She was so embarrassed that she averted her gaze from him.
expression, ichidan verb
Figuratively ignoring or pretending not to see a problem, fact, or uncomfortable truth. Often used with abstract objects like 現実 (reality) or 問題 (problem).
彼は自分の失敗から目を背けている。
He is ignoring his own mistakes.
現実から目を背けてはいけない。
You must not turn away from reality.
expression, ichidan verb
escape from; turn away from
Avoiding or distancing oneself from a situation, responsibility, or relationship. Similar to sense 2 but often implies a more active avoidance or escape.
彼は困難な状況から目を背けて逃げ出した。
He turned away from the difficult situation and ran away.
自分の弱さから目を背けずに向き合おう。
Let's face our weaknesses without turning away from them.