blind-eye

Updated: June 25, 2025

There can be no doubt now that the signal 39 was not permissive or optional, nor that Nelson, having the enemy by the throat, refused to let go until he had strangled him, nor that he did dramatically act the blind-eye trick. He deliberately disobeyed orders, and saved England's honour and fleet by doing so.

Baron Walter Runciman Runciman - Drake, Nelson and Napoleon