Meaning
Ignoring something on purpose.
Cultural Background
In Denmark, 'vende det blinde øje til' is often linked to the concept of 'pyt'—a word used to let go of minor frustrations. It's a social lubricant. The phrase is equally common in the UK and shares the exact same origin story regarding Admiral Nelson. Across Norway and Sweden, similar versions exist (e.g., Swedish 'se mellan fingrarna'), reflecting a shared cultural value of social pragmatism. In modern Danish startups, turning a blind eye to hierarchy is common to encourage innovation, though turning a blind eye to safety is strictly forbidden.
The 'Til' Anchor
Always remember the 'til'. It's the most common thing learners forget. Think of it as 'turning your eye TO' the situation.
Don't pluralize
Even if you are ignoring many things, it is always 'det blinde øje' (singular). Using the plural 'øjne' makes it sound like a literal medical condition.
Meaning
Ignoring something on purpose.
The 'Til' Anchor
Always remember the 'til'. It's the most common thing learners forget. Think of it as 'turning your eye TO' the situation.
Don't pluralize
Even if you are ignoring many things, it is always 'det blinde øje' (singular). Using the plural 'øjne' makes it sound like a literal medical condition.
Political usage
If you want to sound like a native news anchor, use this phrase when discussing government inaction. It's a very 'adult' way to speak.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing words to complete the idiom.
Han valgte at vende det ______ øje ______.
The correct idiom is 'at vende det blinde øje til'.
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly in the past tense?
Which one is correct?
'Vendte' is the past tense of 'vende'.
Match the situation to the most likely use of the idiom.
Situation: A boss sees an employee taking an extra 5 minutes for lunch but says nothing because the employee is very productive.
This is a classic case of tactical ignorance.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Hvorfor sagde du ikke noget til ham om hans fejl?' B: 'Jeg valgte at ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______.'
Both 'vende det blinde øje til' and 'se gennem fingre med det' are perfect synonyms here.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesHan valgte at vende det ______ øje ______.
The correct idiom is 'at vende det blinde øje til'.
Which one is correct?
'Vendte' is the past tense of 'vende'.
Situation: A boss sees an employee taking an extra 5 minutes for lunch but says nothing because the employee is very productive.
This is a classic case of tactical ignorance.
A: 'Hvorfor sagde du ikke noget til ham om hans fejl?' B: 'Jeg valgte at ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______.'
Both 'vende det blinde øje til' and 'se gennem fingre med det' are perfect synonyms here.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsNot at all! It's a very common and neutral idiom. However, if you accuse someone of turning a blind eye to something serious, it can be a strong criticism.
Usually, no. You turn a blind eye to mistakes, faults, or problems. You wouldn't turn a blind eye to a beautiful painting.
'At ignorere' is a direct verb. 'At vende det blinde øje til' is more descriptive and implies a conscious, often tactical choice.
Yes, 'det' is required because 'blinde øje' is a specific, definite concept in this idiom.
Technically yes, but 'det' is much more common. Using 'mit' makes it sound more literal.
Related Phrases
at se gennem fingre med noget
synonymTo overlook something, usually a mistake.
at lade som ingenting
similarTo act as if nothing happened.
at overhøre noget
similarTo 'over-hear' (ignore something said).
at tage affære
contrastTo take action.
