Turn a deaf ear meaning

To ignore or refuse to listen to someone or something intentionally.


Turn a deaf ear definitions

Word backwards nrut a faed rae
Part of speech The part of speech of "turn a deaf ear" is a verb phrase.
Syllabic division turn a deaf ear - turn: 1 - a: 1 - deaf: 1 - ear: 1 Total: 4
Plural The plural of the phrase "turn a deaf ear" would be "turn a deaf ear." Since it is a phrase and not a single word, it does not have a traditional plural form.
Total letters 12
Vogais (3) u,a,e
Consonants (5) t,r,n,d,f

What Does "Turn a Deaf Ear" Mean?

Turning a deaf ear to something means choosing to ignore or disregard it completely. It is a metaphorical expression that implies the act of intentionally not listening to what is being said or refusing to acknowledge a certain situation or information.

Origin of the Phrase

The phrase "turn a deaf ear" dates back to the 17th century and is believed to have originated from the Bible. In the book of Psalms, there is a passage that reads, "But you have turned a deaf ear to me." This figurative use of the term has since become a common idiom in the English language.

Examples of Usage

People often turn a deaf ear to advice or warnings that they do not want to hear. For instance, a smoker may turn a deaf ear to the health risks associated with smoking because they are unwilling to confront the truth.

Impact of Ignoring

Choosing to turn a deaf ear can have negative consequences, as it may prevent individuals from receiving important information or addressing issues that need to be resolved. It can lead to misunderstandings, missed opportunities for growth, and strained relationships.

Alternatives to Turning a Deaf Ear

Instead of turning a deaf ear to something, it is advisable to actively listen and consider different perspectives. Engaging in open communication and being receptive to feedback can foster understanding and promote positive outcomes in various situations.

Therefore, while it may be tempting to turn a deaf ear to unpleasant truths or inconvenient information, it is essential to confront these challenges head-on to facilitate personal growth and improve relationships.


Turn a deaf ear Examples

  1. Despite his repeated pleas for help, she chose to turn a deaf ear to his cries.
  2. The teacher decided to turn a deaf ear to the student's excuses for not completing the assignment.
  3. Even though the alarm was blaring, the neighbors seemed to turn a deaf ear to the noise.
  4. The company executives turned a deaf ear to the complaints of the employees about working conditions.
  5. No matter how loud the music played, she managed to turn a deaf ear to the noise.
  6. Despite the warnings from her friends, she chose to turn a deaf ear to their advice.
  7. The politician's supporters turned a deaf ear to the accusations of corruption.
  8. The manager turned a deaf ear to the concerns raised by the staff about the new policies.
  9. Even though the issue was important, the committee members decided to turn a deaf ear to the matter.
  10. She always turns a deaf ear to gossip and prefers to focus on positive conversations instead.


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  • Updated 15/06/2024 - 22:59:03