tɜːrn ə def ɪr
Body Parts
neutral
beginner
- Literally:
- Using an ear that cannot hear
What does "turn a deaf ear" mean?
- To refuse to listen or respond
- To deliberately ignore what someone says
Examples
- He turned a deaf ear to their complaints.
- The government turned a deaf ear to the protests.
- Don't turn a deaf ear to good advice.
Origin
Similar to 'turn a blind eye'—using sensory disability as metaphor for deliberate ignorance. Used since the 1400s.
How to use it
Implies deliberate refusal to consider input. Often critical.
Similar expressions
ignore
refuse to listen
dismiss
disregard
Opposites
listen carefully
pay attention
heed
Related idioms
- keep an eye on
To watch or monitor something carefully
- heart of gold
A very kind, generous, and caring nature
- caught red-handed
Caught in the act of doing something wrong
- keep your chin up
To stay positive and not be discouraged
- wrap your head around something
To understand something complex
- all ears
Listening attentively and eagerly
Use it in a practice answer
Try "turn a deaf ear" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.