Cette page dans ta langue
English فارسی العربية Deutsch Español 日本語 한국어 Português 中文 हिन्दी
B2 verb #8,500 le plus courant 12 min de lecture

blindfold

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces blindfold en 30 secondes
Explication blindfold in your Level:
At the A1 level, 'blindfold' is a word you might see in stories about games or birthday parties. It means to cover someone's eyes so they cannot see. Think of a game where you have to find your friends without looking. You use a scarf or a piece of cloth. For example, 'I blindfold my brother for the game.' It is a simple action word. You can remember it by thinking of 'blind' (cannot see) and 'fold' (like folding a cloth over the eyes). At this level, just focus on the physical action in games. You don't need to worry about the harder meanings yet. Just know that when you blindfold someone, they are 'blind' for a short time until the cloth is removed. It is a fun word for playing together.
Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète
At the A2 level, you can use 'blindfold' to talk about surprises and simple instructions. You might use it in a sentence like, 'We will blindfold her before she sees the cake.' This shows you understand that blindfolding is a step in a process. You can also recognize the past tense 'blindfolded.' For example, 'He was blindfolded during the surprise.' You should also know that 'blindfold' is the name of the cloth itself. So you can say, 'Put on the blindfold' or 'I will blindfold you.' It is helpful for describing activities at school or with friends. You are beginning to see how the word is used in more than just one specific game, but still mostly for physical things you can see and touch.
Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète
At the B1 level, you start to use 'blindfold' in more descriptive ways and understand its use in different settings like movies or news. You can use it in the passive voice, which is very common: 'The contestants were blindfolded to make the test fair.' You also understand that blindfolding can be serious, not just for games. For example, in a movie, a hero might be blindfolded by the villains. You can also use the word 'blindfolded' as an adjective to describe a person's state. 'A blindfolded person cannot see where they are going.' You are becoming comfortable with the regular verb endings (-ed, -ing) and can use the word in different tenses to tell a story or describe an event in detail.
Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète
At the B2 level, you should be comfortable with both the literal and metaphorical meanings of 'blindfold.' You understand that it can mean to intentionally hide the truth from someone. For example, 'The company blindfolded the public about the environmental damage.' You can use the word to express criticism or analyze a situation. You also recognize common collocations like 'blindfolded and led' or 'blindfolded justice.' At this level, you can use the word in more complex sentence structures, such as participial phrases: 'Blindfolded by his own pride, he failed to see the obvious solution.' You understand the nuance between 'blindfold' (temporary/intentional) and 'blind' (permanent/physical). This word is now a tool for you to describe not just actions, but also psychological states and social issues.
At the C1 level, you use 'blindfold' with precision in academic, professional, and literary contexts. You can discuss the symbolic nature of the word, such as the blindfold of Lady Justice representing impartiality. You might use it in a sophisticated critique of policy: 'The legislation effectively blindfolds regulatory agencies, preventing them from overseeing the industry.' You are aware of synonyms like 'hoodwink' or 'obfuscate' and can choose 'blindfold' when you want to emphasize a deliberate, forced lack of vision. You can also use it in idiomatic or highly descriptive ways in creative writing to evoke a sense of vulnerability or mystery. Your understanding of the word includes its historical baggage and its power as a rhetorical device to describe systemic ignorance.
Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète
At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'blindfold' and its most subtle implications. You can use it to explore philosophical themes of perception and reality. You might analyze how a culture 'blindfolds' itself to its own history. You can use the word in complex, multi-layered sentences where the literal and metaphorical meanings intertwine. Your usage is indistinguishable from a highly educated native speaker, employing the word in everything from technical psychological reports about sensory deprivation to avant-garde poetry. You understand the etymological journey of the word and can play with its meaning to create irony or double meanings. For you, 'blindfold' is not just a verb, but a concept that touches on trust, power, deception, and the very nature of human consciousness.
Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète
Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

blindfold en 30 secondes

  • To blindfold means to cover someone's eyes with a cloth to stop them from seeing.
  • It is used in games, for surprises, or in serious situations like kidnappings.
  • Metaphorically, it means to hide the truth or keep someone in ignorance.
  • The word functions as both a regular verb and a common noun.
The verb 'blindfold' refers to the specific act of covering someone's eyes, usually with a strip of cloth, a scarf, or a specialized mask, to completely obstruct their vision. While it sounds like a simple physical action, its usage spans a wide variety of social, psychological, and even political contexts. In its most literal sense, to blindfold someone is to ensure they cannot see their surroundings, which is a common requirement in childhood games, surprise parties, or magic tricks. Imagine a child being blindfolded before attempting to hit a piñata; the blindfold adds a layer of challenge and excitement by removing the primary sense of sight. Beyond games, the act of blindfolding is often associated with surprises. For instance, you might blindfold a friend before leading them into a room filled with people for a surprise birthday celebration. This creates a moment of suspense and heightens the eventual reveal.
Literal Application
The physical obstruction of sight using a material like a bandana or sleep mask.
Historically and symbolically, the blindfold carries heavy weight. One of the most famous representations is 'Lady Justice,' who is often depicted wearing a blindfold. In this context, to blindfold justice is to ensure impartiality—that the law is applied without regard to wealth, status, or identity. However, in darker historical contexts, to blindfold a prisoner or a captive was a method of control, preventing them from knowing their location or identifying their captors. This duality makes the word 'blindfold' particularly rich in meaning.

They decided to blindfold the groom as part of the bachelor party prank.

In modern metaphorical usage, 'blindfold' can describe the act of intentionally ignoring facts or reality. If someone says a leader is 'blindfolding' the public, they mean the leader is keeping the people in the dark about the truth. This metaphorical shift from a physical cloth to a conceptual lack of awareness is a hallmark of B2-level English. When using this word, consider the power dynamic involved. To blindfold someone is an act of taking away their agency by removing their sight, so it should be used carefully depending on whether the context is playful or serious.
Psychological Impact
The state of vulnerability or heightened trust required when one allows another to blindfold them.

The witness was blindfolded before being taken to the safe house.

Symbolism
Representing objectivity or, conversely, forced ignorance and lack of transparency.

You can't just blindfold yourself to the problems in our society.

The magician asked for a volunteer to blindfold him before the trick.

During the training exercise, soldiers are blindfolded to learn how to assemble their weapons by touch.

In conclusion, to blindfold is a versatile verb that describes both a physical act and a metaphorical state of being. Whether used in the context of a game, a surprise, a security measure, or a critique of social awareness, it always centers on the removal of sight and the resulting shift in perception.
Using the verb 'blindfold' correctly involves understanding its transitive nature—meaning it almost always takes a direct object. You blindfold *someone* or *something*. Structurally, it follows the standard pattern of Subject + Verb + Object. For example, 'The kidnappers blindfolded the victim.' In this sentence, the action is performed by the kidnappers upon the victim. It is also very common to see 'blindfold' used in the passive voice, especially when the focus is on the state of the person whose eyes are covered. 'The prisoner was blindfolded before the interrogation.' This shift to the passive voice is useful when the person performing the action is unknown or less important than the person being affected.
Transitive Usage
Active voice: 'She will blindfold you.' Passive voice: 'You will be blindfolded.'
Another important grammatical aspect is the use of the past participle 'blindfolded' as an adjective. While it originates from the verb, it frequently describes a state. 'A blindfolded man walked across the tightrope.' Here, 'blindfolded' modifies 'man.' When using it as a verb in different tenses, remember the regular conjugation: 'I blindfold,' 'I am blindfolding,' 'I blindfolded,' 'I have blindfolded.'

They blindfolded the contestants before the taste test began.

Context is key when deciding whether to use 'blindfold' literally or figuratively. Figurative usage often involves a prepositional phrase or an adverbial clause to explain what is being ignored. 'The company blindfolded its investors regarding the financial losses.' While the investors weren't physically wearing cloths over their eyes, the verb effectively communicates that they were kept from seeing the truth. In more advanced writing, you might encounter 'blindfold' in participial phrases. 'Blindfolded and disoriented, the hiker struggled to find his way.' This usage creates a vivid image of the subject's condition.
Prepositional Collocations
Commonly used with 'with' (material) or 'before' (timing).

If you blindfold the witness, they won't be able to identify the location later.

The government was accused of trying to blindfold the media during the crisis.

Metaphorical Intensity
Using 'blindfold' figuratively often implies a deliberate deception rather than a simple accident.

She was blindfolded by her own ambition, unable to see the risks involved.

The rules require that we blindfold every participant to ensure a fair experiment.

Overall, 'blindfold' is a straightforward verb to use once you master the transitive object and the distinction between literal and figurative contexts. It adds a descriptive, sensory element to your writing that simple words like 'hide' or 'cover' cannot achieve.
In daily life, you are most likely to hear 'blindfold' in social settings involving games or celebrations. At a birthday party, you might hear a parent say, 'Okay, now we need to blindfold the birthday boy so he can hit the piñata!' In this context, the tone is lighthearted and fun. Similarly, in reality TV shows—especially those involving cooking or dating—contestants are often blindfolded for 'blind taste tests' or 'blind dates.' You'll hear hosts say things like, 'We're going to blindfold our judges so they aren't influenced by the presentation of the dish.'
Entertainment Context
Used frequently in game shows, reality TV, and children's parties to create suspense.
Moving to more serious environments, the word appears in news reports and documentaries concerning human rights or historical events. When discussing the treatment of prisoners of war or the victims of kidnapping, reporters might state, 'The captives were blindfolded and transported to an unknown location.' Here, the word takes on a chilling and somber tone, emphasizing the loss of freedom and the psychological fear experienced by the victims.

'They blindfolded me and put me in the back of a van,' the survivor recalled.

In the world of psychology and research, 'blindfold' is used during sensory experiments. Researchers might explain, 'We blindfold the subjects to isolate their sense of hearing.' This is a technical, neutral usage. You might also hear it in sports training, particularly in sports that require high levels of spatial awareness or trust, like soccer or trust-building workshops for corporate teams. In political discourse or social commentary, the word is frequently heard in its metaphorical form. A commentator might argue, 'The administration is trying to blindfold the public to the true cost of this policy.' In this scenario, 'blindfold' is a powerful rhetorical tool used to accuse someone of deception or withholding information.
News & Media
Used to describe hostage situations, police procedures, or metaphorical government secrecy.

The news anchor reported, 'Protesters were blindfolded by police before being detained.'

'You can't blindfold justice,' the lawyer argued in her closing statement.

Corporate/Team Building
Often used in 'trust walks' where one person is blindfolded and guided by another.

During the workshop, we had to blindfold our partners and lead them through an obstacle course.

The chef was blindfolded to see if he could identify the ingredients by smell alone.

Understanding these varied contexts helps you recognize the word's emotional range, from the giggles of a party to the gravity of a courtroom or a crisis zone.
One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with 'blindfold' is confusing its part of speech. While 'blindfold' is a verb, it is also a noun. Some students mistakenly say 'I put a blindfold on him' when they could simply say 'I blindfolded him.' Both are correct, but using the verb form is often more concise and natural in active descriptions. Another common error is the misspelling 'blindfold' as two words ('blind fold') or with a hyphen ('blind-fold'). In modern English, it is almost exclusively written as a single, unhyphenated word.
Spelling & Structure
Avoid: blind fold, blind-fold. Use: blindfold. Avoid: 'I made him blindfolded.' Use: 'I blindfolded him.'
Learners also struggle with the preposition that follows the verb. It is incorrect to say 'blindfold someone from something' if you mean covering their eyes. The correct preposition for the material used is 'with' ('blindfold him with a scarf'). If you are using it figuratively to mean keeping someone in the dark, you might use 'to' ('blindfold someone to the truth'). Confusing these can lead to awkward phrasing.

Incorrect: He blindfolded her by a cloth. Correct: He blindfolded her with a cloth.

A more nuanced mistake involves the difference between 'blindfold' and 'blind.' To 'blind' someone means to cause permanent or temporary loss of sight (often through injury or bright light), whereas to 'blindfold' someone is to temporarily cover their eyes with an object. Saying 'The light blindfolded me' is incorrect; it should be 'The light blinded me.' Conversely, 'I blinded him for the game' sounds much more violent than intended! In metaphorical contexts, avoid overusing 'blindfold' where 'ignore' or 'conceal' might be more appropriate. 'Blindfold' implies a very active, almost physical effort to hide the truth. If the situation is more about simple neglect, 'overlook' might be a better choice.
Metaphorical Overuse
Don't use 'blindfold' for accidental oversight; use it for deliberate concealment.

Incorrect: I blindfolded the error in the report. Correct: I overlooked the error in the report.

Incorrect: She blindfolded the baby during the nap. Correct: She shaded the baby's eyes or used a sleep mask.

Passive vs Active
Remember that 'He was blindfolded' is much more common than 'They blindfolded him' in news reporting.

Don't let them blindfold you with false promises.

We must blindfold the participants before they enter the maze.

By avoiding these common pitfalls—spelling, preposition choice, and confusing it with 'blind'—you will use the word with much greater precision and confidence.
While 'blindfold' is a very specific verb, there are several alternatives depending on whether you are speaking literally or figuratively. Understanding these nuances will help you choose the right word for the right situation. In a literal sense, 'cover one's eyes' is the most direct alternative. It is less formal and can apply to any method of blocking sight, such as using your hands. 'He covered her eyes with his hands' is different from 'He blindfolded her,' which implies the use of a cloth.
Literal Alternatives
'Cover,' 'mask,' 'shroud,' or 'shield.' Each implies a different degree of permanence or material.
For figurative usage, 'hoodwink' is a fantastic alternative. 'Hoodwink' means to deceive or trick someone, and it actually shares a similar etymological root—the idea of pulling a 'hood' over someone's eyes. However, 'hoodwink' is almost always metaphorical today. Another similar word is 'bamboozle,' which is more informal and implies a state of confusion.

The salesman tried to hoodwink the customers with a 'limited time' offer.

If you want to describe the state of being kept in the dark without the physical imagery of a blindfold, you might use 'keep in ignorance' or 'deceive.' In a legal or official context, 'obfuscate' is a powerful C1/C2 level alternative. To obfuscate is to make something unclear or difficult to understand, effectively 'blindfolding' the person trying to find the truth.
Synonym Comparison: Blindfold vs. Mask
Blindfold specifically blocks vision. Masking can cover the whole face and might be for protection or disguise rather than sight obstruction.

Instead of blindfolding the witness, they used a screen to hide the suspect.

The fog seemed to shroud the entire valley, blindfolding the drivers.

Phrasal Alternatives
'Pull the wool over someone's eyes' is an idiom that means exactly the same as the metaphorical 'blindfold.'

Don't let him pull the wool over your eyes with those excuses.

The magician veiled the bird cage before making it disappear.

In summary, while 'blindfold' is the most precise term for covering eyes with cloth, expanding your vocabulary to include words like 'hoodwink,' 'obfuscate,' and 'shroud' will allow you to describe various levels of concealment and deception with much more flair.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The 'fold' in blindfold has nothing to do with folding paper or clothes originally; it was a linguistic mistake that became the standard spelling!

Guide de prononciation

UK /ˈblaɪnd.fəʊld/
US /ˈblaɪnd.foʊld/
The primary stress is on the first syllable: BLIND-fold.
Rime avec
bold cold gold hold old sold told scold
Erreurs fréquentes
  • Pronouncing the 'd' in blind too softly so it sounds like 'line-fold'.
  • Confusing the vowel in 'fold' with the 'o' in 'fond'.
  • Stress on the second syllable: blind-FOLD (incorrect).
  • Treating it as two separate words with two equal stresses.
  • Mispronouncing 'blind' as 'blinned'.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 3/5

Easy to recognize in context, but metaphorical uses require B2 level logic.

Écriture 4/5

Spelling is often confused (blind fold vs blindfold).

Expression orale 3/5

Commonly used in specific contexts like games and surprises.

Écoute 2/5

Clear pronunciation, though 'd' can be soft.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

blind fold cover eyes cloth

Apprends ensuite

hoodwink deceive impartial transparency obscure

Avancé

obfuscate sensory deprivation impartiality clandestine

Grammaire à connaître

Transitive Verbs

You must blindfold *the participant*.

Passive Voice

The prisoner *was blindfolded*.

Participle Adjectives

The *blindfolded* man was confused.

Infinitive of Purpose

We used a scarf *to blindfold* him.

Regular Verb Conjugation

Yesterday, they *blindfolded* the winner.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

Exemples par niveau

1

I blindfold my friend for the game.

I cover my friend's eyes.

Present simple tense.

2

Can you blindfold me now?

Is it my turn to have my eyes covered?

Question with 'can'.

3

We blindfold the girl for the piñata.

We cover her eyes for the party game.

Direct object 'the girl'.

4

Do not blindfold the cat!

Don't put a cloth on the cat's eyes.

Negative imperative.

5

He will blindfold you for the surprise.

He is going to cover your eyes.

Future with 'will'.

6

She likes to blindfold her doll.

She covers the doll's eyes.

Third person singular 'likes'.

7

They blindfold the boy and spin him around.

They cover his eyes and turn him.

Compound verb phrase.

8

I need a scarf to blindfold him.

I need a cloth for his eyes.

Infinitive of purpose.

1

The teacher blindfolded the students for a taste test.

The teacher covered their eyes for food tasting.

Past simple tense.

2

You must blindfold the player before the game starts.

It is a rule to cover the player's eyes.

Modal verb 'must'.

3

Is she blindfolding him for the surprise party?

Is she covering his eyes right now?

Present continuous question.

4

We blindfolded everyone so they couldn't see the gift.

Everyone had their eyes covered.

Conjunction 'so'.

5

He was blindfolded and led into the room.

Someone covered his eyes and walked him in.

Passive voice.

6

Don't blindfold him too tightly.

Make sure the cloth is not too tight.

Adverb 'tightly'.

7

They are going to blindfold the winner of the contest.

The winner will have their eyes covered.

'Going to' future.

8

I forgot to blindfold him before the trick.

I did not cover his eyes.

Verb + infinitive.

1

The researchers blindfolded the participants to eliminate visual bias.

They covered eyes to make the study fair.

Formal purpose clause.

2

I felt nervous when they started to blindfold me.

I was worried as my eyes were covered.

Sense verb 'felt'.

3

The guide blindfolded the tourists for the 'dark cave' experience.

The guide covered their eyes for the tour.

Specific context.

4

Why did you blindfold the witness during the lineup?

What was the reason for covering the witness's eyes?

Past simple question.

5

She was blindfolded with a silk scarf for the surprise.

A soft cloth was used on her eyes.

Passive voice with 'with'.

6

He had been blindfolded for over an hour before the reveal.

His eyes were covered for a long time.

Past perfect passive.

7

The team was blindfolded during the trust-building exercise.

The group had eyes covered for training.

Collective noun 'team'.

8

You shouldn't blindfold someone without their permission.

It's wrong to cover eyes if they don't want it.

Modal 'shouldn't'.

1

The dictator attempted to blindfold the nation to the ongoing crisis.

He tried to hide the truth from the people.

Figurative usage.

2

By blindfolding the jury, the judge hoped to ensure an impartial verdict.

Covering eyes (metaphorically) for fairness.

Gerund phrase as subject.

3

The kidnappers blindfolded the diplomat to prevent him from identifying the route.

They covered his eyes so he wouldn't know the way.

Complex purpose.

4

Are you trying to blindfold me to the reality of our financial situation?

Are you hiding the truth about our money?

Figurative question.

5

The soldiers were blindfolded during the resistance training.

They had eyes covered for military practice.

Passive voice.

6

He was blindfolded by his own ambition, ignoring all the warning signs.

His desire for success made him ignore risks.

Metaphorical passive.

7

The experiment requires us to blindfold the subjects before each trial.

We must cover eyes before every test.

Scientific register.

8

They blindfolded the statue as a form of political protest.

They put a cloth on the statue's eyes.

Symbolic action.

1

The media was accused of blindfolding the electorate during the election cycle.

News outlets hid facts from voters.

Political register.

2

To blindfold a prisoner is often considered a form of psychological torture.

Covering a captive's eyes causes mental pain.

Infinitive as subject.

3

She felt that the corporate culture was designed to blindfold employees to ethical breaches.

The company hid wrongdoings from workers.

Noun clause 'that...'

4

The artist's work seeks to blindfold the viewer to the physical world and open their inner eye.

The art blocks sight to show something else.

Literary metaphor.

5

The treaty was written in a way that effectively blindfolded the inspectors.

The rules stopped inspectors from seeing the truth.

Adverb 'effectively'.

6

Having been blindfolded for so long, the hostage struggled with the bright sunlight.

Because his eyes were covered, the sun hurt.

Perfect participle phrase.

7

The organization works to ensure no government can blindfold its citizens regarding human rights.

They stop governments from hiding truth.

Complex modal structure.

8

He chose to blindfold himself to his partner's infidelities to save the marriage.

He ignored the cheating on purpose.

Reflexive 'himself'.

1

The philosophical treatise argues that language itself can blindfold us to the essence of being.

Words can hide the true nature of life.

Abstract academic register.

2

In his latest novel, the protagonist is blindfolded by fate, led through a series of tragic coincidences.

Destiny hides the path from the hero.

Literary personification.

3

The sheer complexity of the algorithm blindfolds even its creators to its eventual output.

The math is so hard even the makers don't see the result.

Technological metaphor.

4

They sought to blindfold the historical record by destroying the sensitive archives.

They tried to hide history by burning papers.

Metaphorical action.

5

The sensory deprivation tank effectively blindfolds the user, forcing an internal journey.

The tank stops sight to make you think.

Technical description.

6

To blindfold the truth is the first step toward the erosion of democracy.

Hiding truth destroys freedom.

Political philosophy.

7

The witness's testimony was blindfolded by her own traumatic memories, making it unreliable.

Trauma hid the real facts from her.

Psychological metaphor.

8

The director decided to blindfold the audience's expectations by subverting every genre trope.

He surprised them by changing the rules.

Creative register.

Synonymes

cover the eyes hood obstruct vision bandage shroud

Antonymes

unblindfold reveal uncover

Collocations courantes

blindfold the witness
blindfold the participants
blindfold someone with a scarf
completely blindfolded
blindfold the public
blindfolded and led
blindfolded and gagged
blindfold test
blindfold justice
blindfold the prisoner

Phrases Courantes

to do something blindfolded

— To be so skilled at something that you can do it without looking.

I've cooked this recipe so many times, I could do it blindfolded.

blindfold of ignorance

— A metaphorical state where someone refuses to see the truth.

He wore a blindfold of ignorance regarding the climate crisis.

blindfold of justice

— The symbol of impartiality in the legal system.

The blindfold of justice ensures that everyone is treated equally.

blindfold surprise

— A surprise that involves covering the recipient's eyes.

We planned a blindfold surprise for her graduation.

blindfold walk

— A trust-building exercise where one person guides another.

The team-building retreat included a blindfold walk through the woods.

blindfold taste test

— A test where participants try food without seeing it.

The blindfold taste test proved that people prefer the cheaper brand.

blindfold challenge

— A popular social media trend involving doing tasks without sight.

They filmed a blindfold challenge for their YouTube channel.

blindfold of love

— The idea that being in love makes you ignore a person's flaws.

Her blindfold of love kept her from seeing his true character.

to blindfold the truth

— To intentionally hide or suppress facts.

The regime tried to blindfold the truth about the uprising.

blindfold and spin

— A common instruction in children's party games.

First, we blindfold and spin the player three times.

Souvent confondu avec

blindfold vs blind

To blind someone is to cause vision loss; to blindfold is to cover the eyes temporarily.

blindfold vs mask

A mask covers the face for disguise; a blindfold specifically stops sight.

blindfold vs shroud

To shroud is to cover something completely (often metaphorically with mystery), whereas blindfold is specific to eyes.

Expressions idiomatiques

"pull the wool over someone's eyes"

— To deceive someone by hiding the truth, similar to metaphorical blindfolding.

Don't let him pull the wool over your eyes; he's lying.

Informal
"blind leading the blind"

— When people who know nothing are giving advice to others who know nothing.

With no expert on the team, it was the blind leading the blind.

Neutral
"love is blind"

— The idea that love prevents you from seeing the faults of the person you love.

Everyone saw his flaws but her; truly, love is blind.

Common
"turn a blind eye"

— To pretend not to notice something, often something wrong.

The manager turned a blind eye to the employees leaving early.

Neutral
"in the dark"

— To be uninformed about something, like being blindfolded to information.

The employees were kept in the dark about the upcoming layoffs.

Informal
"see no evil"

— To refuse to acknowledge something bad that is happening.

His 'see no evil' approach to parenting caused many problems.

Literary
"blind spot"

— An area where someone's vision or understanding is lacking.

The CEO had a blind spot when it came to digital marketing.

Neutral
"justice is blind"

— The principle that justice should be impartial and objective.

In a fair court, justice is blind to a person's wealth.

Formal
"blind as a bat"

— Having very poor vision.

Without my glasses, I'm blind as a bat.

Informal
"blind date"

— A social meeting between two people who have never met before.

My sister set me up on a blind date last Friday.

Common

Facile à confondre

blindfold vs blinder

Sounds similar.

Blinders are used on horses to stop them from looking sideways; a blindfold stops all vision.

The horse wore blinders, but the man wore a blindfold.

blindfold vs blinkered

Metaphorically similar.

Blinkered means having a narrow view; blindfolded means having no view at all.

He has a blinkered view of the world, but he isn't completely blindfolded to the facts.

blindfold vs blindside

Starts with 'blind'.

To blindside someone is to surprise them unpleasantly from a direction they didn't see coming.

The layoffs blindsided the staff, but they weren't blindfolded to the company's struggles.

blindfold vs blackout

Relates to darkness.

A blackout is a total loss of light or consciousness; a blindfold is a physical object covering eyes.

During the blackout, we didn't need to blindfold anyone to play the game.

blindfold vs hood

Both cover the head.

A hood covers the whole head; a blindfold only covers the eyes.

They put a hood over him, which also served to blindfold him.

Structures de phrases

A1

I blindfold [Person].

I blindfold my sister.

A2

He is blindfolded.

He is blindfolded for the game.

B1

They blindfolded him with [Object].

They blindfolded him with a towel.

B2

The [Noun] was blindfolded to [Verb].

The witness was blindfolded to protect her identity.

B2

Don't blindfold yourself to [Noun/Fact].

Don't blindfold yourself to the truth.

C1

Having been blindfolded, [Subject] [Verb].

Having been blindfolded, the hostage lost track of time.

C1

It is an attempt to blindfold the [Group].

It is an attempt to blindfold the voters.

C2

[Subject] effectively blindfolds [Object] from [Noun].

The new law effectively blindfolds the agency from seeing the records.

Famille de mots

Noms

blindfold (the object)
blindness

Verbes

blindfold
blind

Adjectifs

blindfolded
blind

Apparenté

eyepatch
sleep mask
bandana
veil
hood
Inscris-toi gratuitement pour voir tous les exemples

Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Common in fiction, news, and daily conversation about social events.

Erreurs courantes
  • I blindfolded him from the truth. → I blindfolded him to the truth.

    The preposition 'to' is used for the thing being hidden metaphorically.

  • He was blindfolded by a scarf. → He was blindfolded with a scarf.

    Use 'with' for the instrument/material used.

  • The bright light blindfolded me. → The bright light blinded me.

    Light 'blinds'; cloth 'blindfolds'.

  • She did a blind fold on him. → She blindfolded him.

    It is more natural to use the verb form directly.

  • They blindfold the piñata. → They blindfolded the player.

    You blindfold the person hitting the piñata, not the object itself.

Astuces

Verb vs Noun

Don't forget 'blindfold' works as both. 'He wore a blindfold' (noun) and 'They blindfolded him' (verb).

Material Matters

Always use 'with' to describe the material: 'blindfold with a towel.'

Surprise Context

Use 'blindfold' when writing about surprise parties to add suspense to your story.

Impartiality

Use the blindfold metaphor when discussing fairness in law or sports.

Tone Check

In serious writing, 'blindfold' can sound quite dark, so match your tone to the situation.

Skill Expression

Use 'I can do it blindfolded' to impress people with your expertise.

Single Word

Always keep 'blind' and 'fold' together. No spaces!

Active Deception

Reserve 'blindfold' for when someone is *trying* to hide the truth, not just when truth is hard to find.

Passive Power

'He was blindfolded' is excellent for creating a sense of mystery in thrillers.

Beyond Blindfold

Try 'hoodwink' for a more playful way to say someone was tricked.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'Blind' + 'Fold'. You are making someone 'Blind' by 'Folding' a cloth over their eyes. Blind-Fold.

Association visuelle

Imagine a bright red scarf being tied around someone's head at a birthday party, with a piñata in the background.

Word Web

Eye Cloth Game Surprise Justice Secret Vision Darkness

Défi

Try to describe three situations where you would blindfold someone: one for fun, one for safety, and one for a test.

Origine du mot

The word 'blindfold' comes from the Middle English word 'blindfellen', which literally meant 'to strike blind' or 'to fell (knock down) as if blind.' Over time, the second part of the word was altered through folk etymology to 'fold,' because people associated the action with folding a cloth over the eyes.

Sens originel : To strike someone so they become blind or lose consciousness.

Germanic (English)

Contexte culturel

Be careful using the word in contexts of kidnapping or war, as it can be traumatic for some.

Common in children's parties and corporate team-building events like 'trust falls'.

Lady Justice (Statue) Bird Box (2018 Movie) Pin the Tail on the Donkey (Game)

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Parties

  • Blindfold the guest of honor
  • Tie the blindfold tight
  • Don't peek!
  • Spin them around

Legal/Justice

  • Justice is blind
  • Blindfold the witness
  • Impartial judgment
  • Remove the blindfold

Surprises

  • Keep it a secret
  • Blindfold her for the reveal
  • Don't look yet
  • Walk slowly

Research

  • Blindfold the subjects
  • Eliminate visual cues
  • Double-blind study
  • Sensory isolation

Crime/News

  • Blindfolded and kidnapped
  • Held at an unknown location
  • Forced into a vehicle
  • Eyes were covered

Amorces de conversation

"Have you ever been blindfolded for a surprise party?"

"Do you think you could navigate your own house if someone were to blindfold you?"

"What is the most famous game in your country that requires you to blindfold a player?"

"Do you agree with the idea that justice should always blindfold itself to a person's identity?"

"What's one thing you could do blindfolded because you've practiced it so much?"

Sujets d'écriture

Describe a time when you felt 'blindfolded' to the truth about a situation. How did you eventually see clearly?

Write about a childhood memory involving a game where you had to blindfold a friend.

If you were to blindfold yourself for an entire day, how do you think your other senses would change?

Discuss the symbolism of the blindfold on the statue of Lady Justice. Is it still relevant today?

Imagine you are a detective. How would you feel if a suspect were blindfolded before you could interview them?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Yes, but it is rare. You might blindfold a horse to keep it calm in a stressful situation, but usually, we use 'blinders' or 'hoods.'

It is always written as one word: blindfold. Writing it as 'blind fold' is a common spelling mistake.

It is a regular verb, so the past tense is 'blindfolded.'

Usually, 'blindfold' implies using a cloth. If you use your hands, it is more common to say 'cover someone's eyes.'

Yes, it can be used to describe someone's state, like 'a blindfolded boy.'

It means justice is impartial and does not see a person's status or wealth, often symbolized by a blindfold.

It depends on the context! In a game or for a surprise, it is fun. In other situations, it can be scary or aggressive.

Scarves, bandanas, sleep masks, and strips of cloth are the most common.

Yes, a 'blindfold' is the object you use to cover someone's eyes.

You use it to mean keeping someone ignorant. 'The boss blindfolded the team about the budget cuts.'

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour les astuces et notes

Teste-toi 200 questions

writing

Describe a game you know that requires someone to blindfold a player.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write a short story about a surprise party where someone is blindfolded.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Explain the metaphorical meaning of 'blindfolding the public.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Do you think it is ethical to blindfold prisoners? Why or why not?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write a dialogue between two people planning a surprise using a blindfold.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Discuss the symbolism of the blindfold on Lady Justice.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Describe a 'blind taste test' for a new food product.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

How would your life change if you were blindfolded for 24 hours?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write five sentences using 'blindfold' as a verb in different tenses.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Compare 'blindfold' and 'hoodwink' in a short paragraph.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Imagine you are a magician. Describe your latest trick involving a blindfold.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

What are the dangers of a society that chooses to blindfold itself to its history?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write a news report about a kidnapping where the victim was blindfolded.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Create a set of instructions for a 'trust walk' exercise.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

How does removing sight change our other senses? Use the word 'blindfold'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write a poem about the darkness behind a blindfold.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Describe the physical sensation of being blindfolded.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Why is 'blindfold' a better word than 'cover eyes' in a thriller novel?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Discuss the use of blindfolds in modern art installations.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write a letter to a friend about a funny blindfold fail at a party.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Tell a story about a time you were blindfolded.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Explain how to play a game that involves blindfolding someone.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Argue for or against the statement: 'The government should never blindfold the public.'

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Describe what you would do if you had to spend a day blindfolded.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Practice saying: 'I could do this blindfolded' with confidence.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Describe the statue of Lady Justice and the meaning of her blindfold.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

How do you feel when your eyes are covered? Use the word 'blindfold'.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Talk about a movie scene where a character was blindfolded.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Give a short presentation on the importance of 'blind taste tests'.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Discuss how a 'trust walk' helps a team. Use the word 'blindfold'.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Roleplay: You are blindfolding a friend for a surprise. What do you say?

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Roleplay: You are a lawyer explaining why 'justice is blind'.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Describe the difference between 'blinding' and 'blindfolding' someone.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Talk about a 'blindfold challenge' you saw online.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

What senses would you use more if you were blindfolded?

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Discuss the risks of blindfolding someone without their consent.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Explain the phrase 'blind leading the blind'.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Describe the material you would use to blindfold someone for a fancy party.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Why do magicians blindfold themselves?

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Summarize the history of the word 'blindfold'.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen and identify: Is the speaker talking about a game or a crime? 'They blindfolded him and threw him into the van.'

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen and identify: Who is being blindfolded? 'Okay kids, now I'm going to blindfold Sarah.'

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen for the material: 'He used a black bandana to blindfold the contestant.'

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen for the purpose: 'We blindfold the subjects to ensure the results are objective.'

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen for the idiom: 'Oh, please! I could do that blindfolded!'

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen for the tense: 'The victim has been blindfolded for three days.'

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen for the figurative meaning: 'The media was accused of blindfolding the public.'

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen and write the sentence: 'She was blindfolded with a silk scarf.'

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen and write the sentence: 'Don't blindfold yourself to the truth.'

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen for the emotion: 'He felt terrified as they started to blindfold him.'

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen for the instruction: 'First, blindfold the player and spin them around.'

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen and identify the speaker: 'The judge ordered the jury to be blindfolded to the defendant's past.'

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen for the number: 'They blindfolded five people for the experiment.'

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen for the location: 'They were blindfolded in the basement.'

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen for the object: 'The blindfold was made of cotton.'

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :

/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour t'entraîner

Contenu associé

Plus de mots sur Actions

abcredance

C1

Le comité doit abcredance les résultats avant la publication.

abnasccide

C1

Décrivant quelque chose qui a une tendance naturelle à se détacher ou à tomber, souvent à un stade ou dans des conditions spécifiques, comme une feuille en automne ou une pièce conçue pour se séparer en cas de surpression.

absorb

B2

Éponger ou absorber un liquide; assimiler des informations ou des connaissances de manière approfondie.

abstain

C1

S'abstenir de fumer est essentiel pour votre santé.

abvictly

C1

Résoudre de manière décisive et abrupte une situation complexe ou un différend en exerçant une force ou une autorité écrasante.

abvitfy

C1

Abvitfy : la capacité inhérente ou le potentiel latent d'un système ou d'un individu à s'adapter rapidement et efficacement aux changements technologiques ou structurels imprévus. Il décrit une forme sophistiquée de résilience qui permet un pivotement et une évolution immédiats sans perte de fonction essentielle. La capacité d'adaptation rapide et efficace d'un système ou d'une personne face à des changements technologiques ou structurels imprévus, sans perte de fonctionnalité.

accelerate

C1

Accélérer. Augmenter la vitesse ou faire en sorte qu'un processus se produise plus tôt que prévu.

accept

A1

Accepter signifie dire oui à une offre ou à une invitation.

achieve

A2

Atteindre un objectif par l'effort.

acquiesce

C1

Acquiescer signifie accepter quelque chose à contre-cœur mais sans protester.

C'tait utile ?

Commentaires (0)

Connectez-vous pour Commenter
Pas encore de commentaires. Soyez le premier à partager vos idées !