Turn a Deaf Ear – किसी की बात को अनसुना करना

The idiom “turn a deaf ear” is used when someone intentionally ignores or refuses to listen to what another person is saying. It implies that the person deliberately chooses not to listen or pay attention to certain information or requests, often due to disinterest, indifference, or disagreement.

Meaning:
When someone “turns a deaf ear”, they are purposefully ignoring what is being said or offered. It typically conveys the intentionality behind refusing to listen. It could also suggest that the person is not interested in hearing something or does not want to respond to a particular matter, often because they find it unimportant or inconvenient.

Used When:

• Deliberately ignoring someone’s words or concerns.
• Not paying attention to requests, advice, or demands.
• When someone chooses to ignore something that is being said, despite it being directed at them.

Implied Message:
This idiom conveys the message that a person is not willing to engage with what is being communicated, whether because of disinterest, disagreement, or a desire to avoid the situation. It can reflect a lack of empathy, indifference, or even an intentional dismissal of the other person’s feelings or concerns.

Hindi Equivalent:
“किसी की बात को अनसुना करना”

Detailed Explanation
The idiom “turn a deaf ear” suggests a conscious decision to not listen to something or someone. It may indicate that the person has made a deliberate choice to ignore what is being said, which could be due to personal reasons, disagreement, or simply because they find the topic unworthy of attention. The phrase paints a mental image of turning away from a sound or a voice—just as a deaf person cannot hear sounds, a person “turning a deaf ear” chooses not to listen.

Example Sentences:
English: “He turned a deaf ear to his friend’s advice about being careful with money.”
Hindi: “उसने पैसे को लेकर अपने दोस्त की सलाह को अनसुना कर दिया।”

English: “The manager turned a deaf ear to the complaints from the staff about long working hours.”
Hindi: “मैनेजर ने कर्मचारियों की लंबी कामकाजी घंटों की शिकायतों को अनसुना कर दिया।”

Key Takeaways:

• “Turn a deaf ear” means to intentionally ignore or not listen to someone.
• It can be used when referring to a deliberate act of ignoring something that is being said, often out of disinterest or lack of agreement.
• The idiom suggests that listening is a choice, and the person in question is deliberately choosing not to engage.

Origin of the Idiom:
The idiom is believed to come from the metaphorical use of “deafness” to describe the act of ignoring something. Historically, a deaf person cannot hear sounds, which led to the expression “turn a deaf ear” as a way of describing someone who chooses not to hear something, even if they are physically able to.

Real-World Examples:

In Personal Relationships:
English: “When he complained about his work, she just turned a deaf ear because she didn’t want to get involved.”
Hindi: “जब उसने अपने काम के बारे में शिकायत की, तो उसने बस उसकी बात को अनसुना कर दिया क्योंकि वह इसमें शामिल नहीं होना चाहती थी।”

In Politics or Management:
English: “The authorities turned a deaf ear to the community’s concerns about the environmental impact.”
Hindi: “प्रशासन ने समुदाय की पर्यावरणीय प्रभाव को लेकर चिंता को अनसुना कर दिया।”

When to Use the Idiom:

• When referring to someone who deliberately ignores advice, complaints, or requests.
• In situations where someone is avoiding a conversation or choosing not to engage with what is being said.
• To describe the intentional act of dismissing someone’s words or concerns.

Reflection Questions:

• Have you ever turned a deaf ear to someone or something in your life? Why?
• How does it feel when someone turns a deaf ear to your concerns or opinions?
• Why do you think people sometimes choose to ignore advice or complaints rather than addressing them?

Similar Expressions

English Idiom	Hindi Meaning
Bury your head in the sand	माथे में रेत डालना
Ignore the elephant in the room	सामने वाली समस्या को न देखना
Pay no heed to	ध्यान न देना