PhrasesHub

Turn a deaf ear

    Definitions

      • ignore or refuse to listen
        Choose to disregard or not pay attention to someone or something, especially when it involves a request or plea for help or understanding

    Examples of Turn a deaf ear

    • The sales manager tried pitching her ideas to the CEO, but he turned a deaf ear and refused to listen to her.

      This idiom is used to describe a situation where someone is deliberately choosing not to listen to someone else. The phrase 'turning a deaf ear' means that the person is acting as if they cannot hear what is being said, even if the speaker is speaking loudly or clearly. Here, the CEO refused to listen to the sales manager's ideas, despite her efforts to make herself heard.

    • My roommate has been complaining about the loud music coming from my side of the apartment, but I've turned a deaf ear and continue to play it at full volume.

      In this example, the speaker is intentionally choosing not to respond to their roommate's complaints about the loud music. This could be because they simply don't care about the noise level, or it could be a more extreme case where they're hoping that if they ignore the issue, it will go away. Either way, by 'turning a deaf ear' to their roommate, they're making it clear that they're not interested in resolving the situation.

    • The parents turned a deaf ear to their child's requests for a new phone, insisting that they waited long enough and should be grateful for what they already have.

      This example shows how 'turning a deaf ear' can also apply to parental decisions. In this situation, the parents are refusing to consider their child's request for a new phone, perhaps because they believe it's unnecessary or excessive. By 'turning a deaf ear' to their child's pleas, the parents are demonstrating their conviction that the request is not valid or important.

    • The audience ignored the speaker's call for questions, turning a deaf ear to the opportunity to engage in a dialogue.

      This final example uses the phrase 'turning a deaf ear' to describe a larger group's reaction. Here, the audience is choosing not to participate in a planned dialogue between the speaker and the attendees. This could be because they're not interested in the topic being discussed, or because they're not comfortable with public speaking, but the result is the same: a lack of engagement and a missed opportunity for discussion and interaction. By 'turning a deaf ear' to the speaker's invitation, the audience is making it clear that they're not interested in participating.

    • Despite repeatedly requesting her to turn down the loud music, my neighbor seems to have turned a deaf ear to my pleas.

      This idiom implies that someone has chosen to ignore or refuse to listen to something. In this example, the neighbor is not responding to the speaker's requests to lower the volume of the music, as if she cannot hear the requests.

    • The manager's repeated complaints about the employee's poor performance fell on deaf ears.

      This idiom means that the employee did not seem to care or pay attention to the manager's criticisms, as if the complaints were not being heard. In this example, the employee seems to be disregarding the manager's feedback.

    • The student's refusal to listen to the teacher's instructions and continuing to speak out of turn can be considered as turning a deaf ear to the lessons.

      This idiom suggests that someone is choosing to disobey or disregard instructions or advice. In this example, the student is not following the teacher's instructions and disrupting the class, as if he cannot hear the teacher's directives.

    • The politician's silence on the issue has led many to accuse him of turning a deaf ear to the concerns of his constituents.

      This idiom implies that someone is failing to address or respond to a particular matter. In this example, the politician's lack of action or communication regarding a specific issue has caused people to believe that he is ignoring the concerns of his supporters.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "turn a deaf ear" is used to convey the act of deliberately ignoring or refusing to listen to someone or something. It is often employed to describe a person's unwillingness to acknowledge or respond to a request or plea for help. The intention behind this idiom is to emphasize the dismissal or disregard of a particular situation or communication.

    The phrase can be used in various contexts, such as personal relationships, professional settings, or even in a broader societal or political context. It can indicate a lack of empathy or understanding, or a deliberate choice to avoid engaging with a difficult or uncomfortable issue.

    Overall, "turn a deaf ear" is a powerful idiom that captures the act of ignoring or refusing to listen, and it can be used to convey a range of situations where someone chooses not to acknowledge or respond to a request, plea, or communication.

    Origin of "Turn a deaf ear"

    The origin of the idiom "turn a deaf ear" can be traced back to the Bible, specifically in the book of Psalms and Isaiah. The phrase is used metaphorically to describe a person's refusal to hear or heed God's word or commands. Over time, it has evolved to be used in a more general sense to convey the act of ignoring or refusing to listen to someone or something.

    The idiom likely gained popularity and widespread usage due to its powerful and relatable imagery. The idea of turning one's ear away from a sound or voice is a vivid metaphor for the act of ignoring or refusing to listen. As a result, "turn a deaf ear" has become a common and impactful idiom in the English language, conveying the deliberate choice to disregard or not pay attention to someone or something.