Meaning
To intentionally ignore something undesirable or wrong.
Cultural Background
Often linked to the 'Jeitinho Brasileiro', where rules are seen as flexible. 'Fazer vista grossa' is sometimes a survival strategy in a complex bureaucracy. Associated with 'Cunha' (nepotism/influence). If you have a 'cunha', people are more likely to 'fazer vistas grossas' to your mistakes. Used in similar contexts of administrative leniency or social forgiveness, often in formal news reporting regarding governance. In modern tech companies in São Paulo or Lisbon, 'fazer vistas grossas' is often used when discussing 'cultural fit' vs. 'rule following'.
Use for Complicity
If you want to sound like a native C1 speaker, use this phrase to imply that someone is 'in on it' or being lazy about their duties.
Agreement is Key
Always remember: Vistas (plural) = Grossas (plural). Don't say 'vistas grossa'.
Meaning
To intentionally ignore something undesirable or wrong.
Use for Complicity
If you want to sound like a native C1 speaker, use this phrase to imply that someone is 'in on it' or being lazy about their duties.
Agreement is Key
Always remember: Vistas (plural) = Grossas (plural). Don't say 'vistas grossa'.
The 'Passar o Pano' Alternative
If you are talking to young Brazilians, 'passar o pano' will make you sound very current, but 'vistas grossas' is safer for work.
Negative Usage
It's very common to use this in the negative: 'Não podemos fazer vistas grossas'.
Test Yourself
Complete a frase com a forma correta do verbo 'fazer'.
Ontem, o guarda ________ vistas grossas para o meu erro.
'Ontem' indicates the past tense (Pretérito Perfeito).
Qual é o significado de 'fazer vistas grossas'?
O que significa a expressão?
The phrase means to intentionally ignore a fault or error.
Associe a situação ao uso da expressão.
Um político vê corrupção e não diz nada.
Ignoring corruption is a classic example of 'fazer vistas grossas'.
Complete o diálogo.
A: Você vai punir o João pelo atraso? B: Não, hoje eu vou ________.
The context of not punishing an error fits the idiom perfectly.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesOntem, o guarda ________ vistas grossas para o meu erro.
'Ontem' indicates the past tense (Pretérito Perfeito).
O que significa a expressão?
The phrase means to intentionally ignore a fault or error.
Um político vê corrupção e não diz nada.
Ignoring corruption is a classic example of 'fazer vistas grossas'.
A: Você vai punir o João pelo atraso? B: Não, hoje eu vou ________.
The context of not punishing an error fits the idiom perfectly.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsTechnically, the traditional form is plural, but in Brazil, the singular is so common that it is not considered a mistake in casual speech.
No, it is almost exclusively used for negative actions, errors, or crimes.
'Ignorar' is neutral. 'Fazer vistas grossas' implies you *should* have done something but chose not to.
It is neutral. You can use it with friends or in a newspaper article.
Yes, it is the direct equivalent in meaning and usage.
No, that is not a recognized idiom in Portuguese.
Eu farei vistas grossas, você fará vistas grossas, etc.
Yes, it is widely used in all Portuguese-speaking countries.
'Ser rigoroso', 'punir', or 'fiscalizar atentamente'.
Yes, for example: 'Eu não faço vistas grossas para erros de segurança'.
No, it is an idiomatic expression, which is more established than slang.
It metaphorically refers to 'thick' vision that can't see fine details of a crime or error.
Related Phrases
Fechar os olhos para
synonymTo close one's eyes to something.
Passar o pano
similarTo make excuses for someone.
Dar um jeitinho
builds onTo find a way around rules.
Comer bola
contrastTo make a mistake by distraction.
Fazer vista cansada
similarTo pretend to be tired to avoid seeing something.
