look the other way

phrase

: to direct one's attention away from something unpleasant or troublesome

We can't just look the other way while these violations of human rights continue to occur.

Examples of look the other way in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Staffers were essentially asked to start looking the other way when private interests cause preventable deaths of vulnerable animals. — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 22 Sep. 2026

In past years, Deion might have been able to look the other way, but not any longer. — Trey Wallace Outkick, FOXNews.com, 22 Sep. 2026

Yet all three North American governments are looking the other way. — Chad P. Bown, Foreign Affairs, 1 Sep. 2026

Jeffrey Epstein created an empire that exploited and trafficked girls and young women while powerful people looked the other way. — Jodi Bondi Norgaard, Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1821, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for look the other way

• cyperaceae
• immunoassay
• rubiaceae
• umbelliferae
• aaa
• alleyway
• alumnae
• anime
• anyway
• arete
• attache
• axillae