wink at

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Definition

Verb (transitive): To deliberately ignore or pretend not to notice (a fault, wrongdoing, or rule-breaking), thereby giving silent or tacit approval. It implies a conscious choice to overlook something that should normally be addressed or condemned.

Usage

The verb "wink at" is used to describe the action of someone in a position of authority or responsibility who chooses not to act against a misdeed. It suggests a secret understanding or unspoken permission.

Examples
  • The manager winked at the minor safety violations to keep production on schedule.
  • For years, the authorities seemed to wink at the illegal gambling operations in the city.
  • You cannot just wink at such blatant plagiarism; it sets a terrible example.
Advanced Usage
  • Passive Voice: The action of ignoring is often emphasized when used in the passive voice.
    • Corruption was routinely winked at by the previous administration.
  • Gerund/Noun Form: The concept can be expressed as "winking at."
    • His constant winking at the rules created a culture of non-compliance.
Variants and Related Words
  • Wink (verb): The base action of quickly closing and opening one eye, often as a signal. "Wink at" derives its figurative meaning from this secretive signal.
  • Blink at (verb): A less common near-synonym, though "wink at" is more idiomatic for implying complicity.
Synonyms
  • Overlook: To fail to notice or ignore, sometimes unintentionally.
  • Turn a blind eye to: To knowingly ignore.
  • Condone: To accept or allow behavior that is considered wrong.
  • Ignore: To refuse to take notice of.
  • Disregard: To pay no attention to.
Antonyms
  • Condemn
  • Punish
  • Enforce
  • Censure
  • Rebuke
Related Phrases and Idioms
  • To turn a blind eye: This idiom is a very close synonym to "wink at," both involving the deliberate pretense of not seeing something.
    • The teacher turned a blind eye to the whispering, which was similar to winking at it.
  • A nod and a wink: Refers to a situation where agreement or approval is given secretly or indirectly.
    • The deal was done with a nod and a wink, implying unofficial approval.
Verb
  1. give one's silent approval to

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