In this idioms question, select the alternative that best explains the meaning of the expression "turn a blind eye" as it is used in everyday English.

Introduction / Context:
The idiom "turn a blind eye" is frequently used in newspapers, conversations, and exam passages. It describes a situation where a person is aware of something wrong or problematic but deliberately chooses to ignore it. Understanding such idioms is essential for scoring well in English sections because literal translations can easily mislead learners.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The idiom is "turn a blind eye".
• The options explain different possible meanings, such as not being able to see, hiding truth, pretending not to notice, avoiding bad habits, or avoiding responsibility.
• The context of ordinary English usage is assumed, where the phrase is used metaphorically rather than literally.

Concept / Approach:
Literally, a blind eye cannot see. But in the idiom "turn a blind eye", the person is not actually blind; instead, they choose to act as if they cannot see something. The central idea is deliberate ignorance. When a teacher sees cheating but ignores it, or when authorities see corruption and do nothing, they are said to "turn a blind eye" to those actions. Therefore, the correct explanation must include the idea of pretending not to notice, even though the person is actually aware of what is happening.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Focus on the key idea of the idiom. It is not about real blindness but about deliberate inaction. Step 2: Read option A: "Not able to see the obvious truth". This suggests inability rather than choice, so it is incorrect. Step 3: Read option B: "Hide the ugly truth from someone". This involves actively hiding information, which is different from ignoring what you yourself can see. Step 4: Read option C: "Pretend not to notice". This exactly matches the idea of seeing something but acting as if you did not see it. Step 5: Read option D: "Stay away from bad habits". This is about self control and has nothing to do with ignoring wrongdoing. Step 6: Read option E: "Avoid taking responsibility for a difficult decision". While this can be related to inaction, it is too general and does not capture the specific idiom. Step 7: Conclude that the best explanation is "Pretend not to notice".

Verification / Alternative check:
Consider example sentences: "The manager turned a blind eye to the safety violations in the factory" or "Parents sometimes turn a blind eye to their children's minor mischief". In both examples, the people are aware of the behaviour but choose not to act. Replacing the phrase with "pretended not to notice" keeps the meaning almost unchanged, whereas replacing it with "could not see the truth" or "stayed away from bad habits" would not make sense. This confirms that the correct explanation is option C.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A focuses on inability, whereas the idiom is about choice. Option B suggests intentionally hiding information from others, not ignoring something yourself. Option D describes moral behaviour, not deliberate ignorance. Option E, although involving avoidance, does not specifically mean ignoring something that you see. Therefore, none of these fully capture the established idiomatic meaning.

Common Pitfalls:
A typical mistake is to interpret idioms literally or to choose options that sound morally serious but are not accurate. Another pitfall is confusing "turn a blind eye" with "close one's eyes to the truth", which is similar but still emphasises deliberate ignorance. The safest technique is to recall sentences where you have seen or heard the idiom and mentally replace it with potential meanings to see which one fits naturally.

Final Answer:
"Turn a blind eye" means Pretend not to notice something, especially when it is wrong or improper.