Meaning
To ignore a small mistake.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'chiudere un occhio' is tied to the Italian legal philosophy of 'equità' (equity), where the judge (or person in power) considers the specific human circumstances of a case rather than just the cold text of the law. In many Italian offices, 'chiudere un occhio' on small personal errands during work hours is common, provided the work gets done. It's part of a social contract based on mutual trust. In some southern regions, the phrase can be linked to 'omertà' in very specific, negative contexts, but in daily life, it mostly refers to the warmth and hospitality of overlooking a guest's small social errors. Italians often complain about bureaucracy, but 'chiudere un occhio' is the informal way that citizens and clerks negotiate the complexity of the system.
The 'One Eye' Rule
Always use 'un' (one). If you say 'gli occhi' (the eyes), you change the meaning to being totally blind to a situation.
Not for Crimes
Don't use this for serious illegal acts. It makes you sound like you're trivializing the crime.
Meaning
To ignore a small mistake.
The 'One Eye' Rule
Always use 'un' (one). If you say 'gli occhi' (the eyes), you change the meaning to being totally blind to a situation.
Not for Crimes
Don't use this for serious illegal acts. It makes you sound like you're trivializing the crime.
Combine with 'stavolta'
It sounds very natural to say 'chiudere un occhio *per stavolta*' (for this time). It emphasizes that it's a one-time favor.
Test Yourself
Completa la frase con la forma corretta del verbo 'chiudere'.
Ieri il vigile ha ________ un occhio sulla mia multa.
Il passato prossimo richiede il participio passato irregolare 'chiuso'.
Qual è la preposizione corretta?
Non posso chiudere un occhio ____ questo comportamento.
Si usa 'su' per indicare l'oggetto o l'azione che viene ignorata.
In quale situazione è appropriato 'chiudere un occhio'?
Scegli la situazione corretta:
L'idioma si usa solo per mancanze lievi.
Completa il dialogo.
A: 'Scusa, ho dimenticato il libro.' B: '________'
La risposta deve riflettere l'atto di perdonare una piccola mancanza.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIeri il vigile ha ________ un occhio sulla mia multa.
Il passato prossimo richiede il participio passato irregolare 'chiuso'.
Non posso chiudere un occhio ____ questo comportamento.
Si usa 'su' per indicare l'oggetto o l'azione che viene ignorata.
Scegli la situazione corretta:
L'idioma si usa solo per mancanze lievi.
A: 'Scusa, ho dimenticato il libro.' B: '________'
La risposta deve riflettere l'atto di perdonare una piccola mancanza.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it is generally seen as a kind, empathetic gesture. However, in a very formal legal context, it might imply a lack of professionalism.
Usually, you ask someone else to 'chiudere un occhio' on your mistake. If you say 'Ho chiuso un occhio su me stesso,' it sounds a bit strange; better to say 'Mi sono perdonato.'
The opposite would be 'essere fiscale' (to be very strict/literal) or 'non fare sconti' (to give no discounts/mercy).
Yes, very often! It's used when negotiating terms or overlooking minor contractual delays to maintain a good relationship.
Not inherently. It usually implies kindness. However, if used regarding big money or politics, it can have a negative 'shady' connotation.
No, that's not a standard idiom. To ignore sounds, we say 'fare orecchie da mercante' (to play the merchant's ears).
Absolutely. It's a perfect idiom for B1 because it uses common verbs and nouns but adds a layer of cultural fluency.
Use 'avere' + 'chiuso'. Example: 'Il capo ha chiuso un occhio.'
Yes, 'passarci sopra' is the most common informal way to say the same thing.
Yes! 'Dai, chiudi un occhio 😉' is a very common way to ask for a small favor via text.
Related Phrases
Passarci sopra
synonymTo overlook or move past something.
Far finta di niente
similarTo pretend nothing happened.
A occhio e croce
builds onRoughly / approximately.
Essere di manica larga
similarTo be lenient or generous.
