Definition

Noun: 1. A piece of leather attached to a horse's bridle to prevent it from seeing sideways: A blinder is one of a pair of flat pieces, typically made of leather, fixed to a horse's headgear (halter or bridle) beside its eyes. Its purpose is to restrict the animal's peripheral vision, helping it to stay focused on what is directly ahead and to remain calm by not being startled by movements or objects at its sides.

Usage

• Blinder is almost always used in its plural form, blinders, because they are used as a pair on a horse.
• The term is used literally in the context of horse tack and equipment.
• Example:

Advanced Usage

• Metaphorical Use: Informally, "blinders" (plural) can be used metaphorically to describe a state of narrow-mindedness or an intentional refusal to consider certain facts or perspectives.
  • Example: He approached the negotiation with blinders on, ignoring all the potential compromises.

Variants and Related Words

• Blinkers (noun, plural): This is the more common British English term for the same piece of horse equipment. The words "blinders" and "blinkers" are synonyms in this context.
• Blind (noun): As a component, this can refer to the individual leather piece itself. (e.g., "a blind for the left side").

Synonyms

• Blinkers (chiefly British)
• Winkers (less common)

Related Phrases

• To have blinders on / To wear blinders: An idiomatic expression meaning to be willfully ignorant or narrowly focused, refusing to see the broader picture or alternative viewpoints.
  • Example: You need to take the blinders off and see the real impact of this decision.

Noun

1. blind consisting of a leather eyepatch sewn to the side of the halter that prevents a horse from seeing something on either side