The expression “turning a blind eye” denotes the deliberate choice to ignore or overlook something, especially wrongdoing or undesirable information. While deeply ingrained within the English language, its origins remain somewhat elusive. Many attribute its origin to naval terminology, and the saying has been linked to the famed Admiral Nelson. Legend suggests that during the siege of Copenhagen in 1801, Nelson pretended not to see a withdrawal signal from his cautious superior by putting his telescope to his blind eye.
Nelson’s Famed Act of Defiance at the Battle of Copenhagen
Admiral Horatio Nelson, a legendary British naval officer, is renowned for his strategic brilliance and leadership during the Napoleonic Wars. He is particularly revered for his victories at the Battle of the Nile and the Battle of Trafalgar.
In folk etymology, Admiral Nelson has also been linked to the phrase “to turn a blind eye” in relation to a particular episode related to the 1801 naval battle of Copenhagen. At the time, the British were fighting Denmark as part of the Napoleonic Wars, due to its alliance with Napoleon Bonaparte’s France. By this point Nelson had lost his right eye during the siege of Calvi in 1794 when struck by debris during the heat of battle.
Amidst the Battle of Copenhagen, Admiral Nelson, at the helm of the British fleet, faced a critical moment when his superior Admiral Sir Hyde Parker signaled for retreat. However, recognizing the strategic importance of pressing the attack against…
