Signification
To pretend not to notice something wrong, ignoring it intentionally.
Contexte culturel
In Spain, the phrase is often used in the context of 'picaresca' (roguishness). It's sometimes seen as a social skill to know when to ignore minor rules to keep things moving. In Mexico, this can be related to 'mordidas' (bribes), where an official might 'hacerse la vista gorda' after receiving a small payment. It's a common theme in social critique. Argentines might use 'hacerse el sota' as a more slangy alternative, but 'hacerse la vista gorda' remains the standard for formal or semi-formal complaints about corruption. In Colombia, the phrase is frequently used in political discourse to describe the 'indiferencia' of the state toward rural problems.
The 'Se' is Key
Always remember to change the 'se' to 'me', 'te', 'nos', etc. It's the most common mistake for learners!
Don't use for accidents
If you genuinely didn't see something, just say 'No lo vi'. Using this phrase implies you saw it and chose to ignore it.
Signification
To pretend not to notice something wrong, ignoring it intentionally.
The 'Se' is Key
Always remember to change the 'se' to 'me', 'te', 'nos', etc. It's the most common mistake for learners!
Don't use for accidents
If you genuinely didn't see something, just say 'No lo vi'. Using this phrase implies you saw it and chose to ignore it.
Corruption vs. Kindness
Be careful with the tone. It can be a compliment (you were kind to ignore my mistake) or a serious accusation of corruption.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of 'hacerse la vista gorda'.
Ayer, el profesor vio que yo estaba usando el diccionario, pero él ________.
We need the preterite (past) form for 'él' because the action happened 'ayer'.
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly?
Choose the correct option:
Option 'b' uses the correct reflexive 'me', the correct noun 'vista', and the correct adjective 'gorda'.
Complete the dialogue.
Marta: '¿Viste que Luis se llevó una pluma de la oficina?' Ana: 'Sí, pero ________ porque él me ayuda mucho.'
Ana is talking about herself, so she uses 'me hice'.
Match the situation to the most likely use of the phrase.
Situation: A police officer sees a famous person speeding but doesn't stop them.
The idiom requires the verb 'hacerse'.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesAyer, el profesor vio que yo estaba usando el diccionario, pero él ________.
We need the preterite (past) form for 'él' because the action happened 'ayer'.
Choose the correct option:
Option 'b' uses the correct reflexive 'me', the correct noun 'vista', and the correct adjective 'gorda'.
Marta: '¿Viste que Luis se llevó una pluma de la oficina?' Ana: 'Sí, pero ________ porque él me ayuda mucho.'
Ana is talking about herself, so she uses 'me hice'.
Situation: A police officer sees a famous person speeding but doesn't stop them.
The idiom requires the verb 'hacerse'.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, especially in Spain. However, 'hacerse' is more common in Latin America and adds a nuance of personal involvement.
Not inherently, but it can be used to accuse someone of being negligent or corrupt. Use it carefully in professional settings.
There isn't a single idiom, but you could say 'ser estricto' (to be strict) or 'no dejar pasar ni una' (to not let a single one pass).
Yes! If a teacher ignores a small mistake to encourage a student, it's a positive use of the phrase.
No, it's an old metaphorical use meaning 'thick' or 'blurry'. It has no connection to body weight.
Yes, it is universally understood from Spain to Argentina.
No, the adjective 'gorda' is fixed. Changing it would make the phrase nonsensical.
Use the preterite: 'Él se hizo la vista gorda'.
It's very common in both. You'll see it in newspapers and hear it in daily conversation.
Yes: 'Me hice la vista gorda' (I turned a blind eye).
Expressions liées
Mirar para otro lado
synonymTo look the other way.
Hacerse el sueco
similarTo pretend not to understand or hear.
Pasar por alto
similarTo overlook or skip over.
Tapar el sol con un dedo
builds onTo try to hide a huge problem with a tiny, ineffective excuse.
