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turn a deaf ear

phrase

sometimes offensive
: to refuse to listen see usage paragraph at deaf entry 1

Browse Nearby Words

turnabout is fair play
turn a deaf ear
turn against
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Cite this Entry

“Turn a deaf ear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/turn%20a%20deaf%20ear. Accessed 17 Dec. 2025.

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Last Updated: - Definition revised
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