Shut/close your eyes to something

usgb
phrase

To ignore or deliberately avoid noticing something.

You can't just shut your eyes to the poor conditions in this school.
Visual representation of "shut/close your eyes to something" - To ignore or deliberately avoid noticing something.

Often appears as...

  • shut your eyes to reality
  • shut your eyes to problems

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "shut/close your eyes to something"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Intentional Ignorance

This phrase implies a conscious decision to ignore something rather than simply not noticing it.

Illustration for Intentional Ignorance
Even with the clear evidence, he shut his eyes to the corruption.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Avoidance

Used to describe avoiding dealing with a problem or unpleasant situation.

Illustration for Avoidance
Many people shut their eyes to environmental issues because they feel helpless.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Negative Connotation

Often implies a negative judgment of the person choosing not to acknowledge the issue.

Illustration for Negative Connotation
The manager shut his eyes to the safety concerns, and now we're facing lawsuits.
Visual representation of the word "Shut/close your eyes to something"

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