눈앞에 있는 것도 못 보다

nun-ap-e isseun geot-do mot boda◆idiom

to be oblivious to something obvious

그는 눈앞에 있는 것도 못 보고 지나갔다.

He walked right past what was right in front of him.

◆ What It Really Means

To be oblivious to something that is clearly visible or obvious, often due to distraction or lack of attention.

¶ Literal Meaning

To not see what is right in front of one's eyes.

Literal Breakdown

눈앞에in front of the eyes+있는 것도even what exists+못 보다to not see

◇ Mental Image

The mental image of someone standing right in front of something but failing to notice it, often due to being distracted or not paying attention.

◈ When to Use

A person is looking for their keys all over the house but fails to notice them sitting right on the table in front of them. Someone might say, '넌 눈앞에 있는 것도 못 보고 있네!' (You're not even seeing what's right in front of you!).

◉ Cultural Note

This idiom reflects a cultural emphasis on attentiveness and awareness in Korean society, where overlooking the obvious can be seen as careless or foolish.

informal

To fail to notice or recognize something that is clearly visible or obvious, often due to distraction, preoccupation, or lack of attention.

그 사람은 눈앞에 있는 기회도 못 보고 놓쳤다.

That person missed the opportunity right in front of them.

너는 눈앞에 있는 위험을 못 보고 있다.

You're not seeing the danger right in front of you.

This phrase is often used to criticize someone for being careless or inattentive.

Synonyms

눈앞에 있는 것도 못 보고 지나치다 눈앞에 있는 것도 못 알아차리다

Antonyms

눈앞에 있는 것을 잘 보다 눈앞에 있는 것을 정확히 알아차리다

Related Phrases

눈앞에 있는 것도 못 보다idiom

to be oblivious to something obvious

Pro Tip

Common Usage

This phrase is often used in everyday conversations to point out someone's oversight or inattention.

Word Origin

The phrase combines '눈앞' (right in front of one's eyes) and '못 보다' (to not see), emphasizing the idea of overlooking something obvious.

Usage Notes

This idiom is commonly used to express frustration or disappointment when someone fails to notice something that should be apparent.

Word Breakdown

눈앞에

right in front of one's eyes

phrase

있는 것도

even what exists

phrase

못 보다

to not see

verb phrase

한영사전

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