ein Auge zudrücken

to turn a blind eye; to let something slide

Origin

Origin explained variously; a common reading links it to old German law (a one-eyed bailiff as a sign of judicial leniency), documented by Jacob Grimm. Traceable as early as the 16th c.

Source

Building blocks

Words in this expression

Grammar that uses this word

Examples

  • Diesmal drückte der noch ein zu.

    This time the teacher turned a blind eye once more.