Turn a Blind Eye
The phrase to “turn a blind eye” commonly refers to a willful refusal to acknowledge reality and dates back to a period in the career of the British naval hero Horatio Nelson. During 1801’s Battle of Copenhagen, Nelson’s ships were pitted against a large Danish-Norwegian convoy. When his more easily-intimidated boss flagged for him to withdraw, the one-eyed Nelson allegedly brought his telescope to his bad eye and casually said “I really do not see the signal.” He went on to score a truly impressive history victory.