wink at

verb

1. intr, preposition to connive at; disregard

   the authorities winked at corruption

Idioms and Phrases

Deliberately overlook, pretend not to see, as in Sometimes it's wise to wink at a friend's shortcomings . This idiom, first recorded in 1537, uses wink in the sense of “close one's eyes.”

Example Sentences

His rendition of Fly Me To the Moon impressed the judges, as did his boyish charm - he showed a cheeky streak when he flashed a mid-song wink at Girls Aloud star Cheryl.

From BBC

It's an odd thing to say publicly, but it makes a bit more sense if it's an in-joke winking at a man who hates MLK.

From Salon

It was a weird non-sequitur that winked at their age and reminded us of why these old guys are still two of the best reasons to watch TV, and how well-matched they are with Gomez.

From Salon

The actors don’t so much address theatergoers directly as wink at them in ironic asides.

From Los Angeles Times

“We get onstage and we wink at each other and go, ‘Can you believe this?’

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• acquit
• condone
• defend
• exempt
• exonerate
• explain
• forgive
• indulge
• let go
• pardon
• relieve
• spare
• tolerate