look the other way
Meaning
To deliberately ignore something wrong or suspicious, often to avoid dealing with it.
Origin
From the literal act of turning your gaze away; by the 19th century it was used figuratively for intentionally ignoring wrongdoing or inconvenient facts.
Notes
Often implies willful neglect and can sound accusatory. Common with wrongdoing, rule-breaking, or inconvenient truths; close to “turn a blind eye.”
Examples
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The manager chose to look the other way when he saw employees leaving a few minutes early.
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I can’t just look the other way while someone is being treated unfairly.
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The referee looked the other way and missed the obvious foul.
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For years, the company looked the other way as safety violations piled up.
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She asked him to look the other way while she planned the surprise party.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Fixed phrase: usually “looked/looks the other way.” Can take “when” or “as” clauses (“look the other way when…”). Also used with “choose to” or “be paid to.”
Synonyms
- turn a blind eye
- ignore
- overlook
- let it slide
Antonyms
- take action
- intervene
- face up to
- confront