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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
At the final whistle, Mbappe clenched his fists and appeared to look the other way as Paraguay’s goalkeeper Orlando Gill sought a handshake. Adam Crafton, New York Times, 5 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Look the other way.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/look%20the%20other%20way. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster