Phrase guide

look the other way

verb · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To ignore something wrong; to turn a blind eye to something; to connive at something.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • The policeman decided to look the other way when he realized the criminal’s act could benefit him.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: connive, shut one's eyes, wink

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

15 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Azerbaijani: göz yummaq — to ignore something wrong
  • German: wegschauen — to ignore something wrong
  • German: wegsehen — to ignore something wrong
  • Italian: chiudere un occhio — to ignore something wrong
  • Italian: fare finta di nulla — to ignore something wrong
  • Italian: guardare dall'altra parte — to ignore something wrong
  • Italian: lasciare correre — to ignore something wrong
  • Polish: odwracać wzrok — to ignore something wrong
  • Polish: odwrócić wzrok — to ignore something wrong
  • Polish: patrzeć przez palce — to ignore something wrong
  • Portuguese: fazer vista grossa — to ignore something wrong
  • Spanish: hacer la vista gorda — to ignore something wrong
  • Spanish: mirar para otro lado — to ignore something wrong
  • Spanish: hacer caso omiso — to ignore something wrong
  • Spanish: mirar hacia otro lado — to ignore something wrong