hacer la vista gorda
verbCEFR B2
What does “hacer la vista gorda” mean in English?
to turn a blind eye, to look the other way
to turn a blind eye, to look the other way (deliberate non-intervention; implies complicity)
Example sentences
El inspector hizo la vista gorda ante varias infracciones que debería haber sancionado.
The inspector turned a blind eye to several infringements he should have penalised.
No podemos seguir haciendo la vista gorda; es hora de actuar.
We can't keep looking the other way; it's time to act.
Hacían la vista gorda porque les convenía no denunciar el problema.
They were turning a blind eye because it suited them not to report the problem.
How to use it
Hacer la vista gorda (literally 'to make the fat eye') means 'to turn a blind eye', 'to look the other way', or 'to let something slide'. The person is aware of an infringement but deliberately chooses not to intervene. It usually implies complicity rather than mere ignorance. Construction: hacer la vista gorda (+ ante/con + something): 'hacer la vista gorda ante las irregularidades'. Contrast with pasar por alto (to overlook, often without ill intent) and ignorar (not to know).
Common mistake
Hacer la vista gorda implies conscious decision, unlike ignorar (not aware) or pasar por alto (may be accidental). English 'overlook' can be either, but hacer la vista gorda is always intentional. The phrase is fixed: *hacer ojos gordos or *ver gorda are not standard.