Turn a deaf ear
Meaning
To deliberately ignore someone or something, especially a request, advice, or a warning.
Origin
The phrase "turn a deaf ear" directly mirrors ancient expressions of deliberate refusal found in biblical scriptures. Imagine the ancient prophets delivering urgent warnings, only for the people to physically block their ears, a defiant act against inconvenient truths and divine commands. This vivid image of literally "stopping one's ears" to avoid listening to unwelcome pleas or advice is eloquently captured in texts like Zechariah 7:11. From these foundational narratives, the phrase migrated into common parlance, retaining its powerful sense of intentional disregard and rejection, a timeless symbol of choosing not to hear what one doesn't want to acknowledge.
Examples
- The city council decided to turn a deaf ear to the residents' petitions against the new development.
- Despite repeated pleas for assistance, he chose to turn a deaf ear to his colleague's financial troubles.