装聋作哑

zhuāng lóng zuò yǎ◆idiom

What does "装聋作哑" mean in English?

play dumb

他对这件事装聋作哑，假装什么都不知道。

He played dumb about the matter, pretending not to know anything.

How to use "装聋作哑" correctly: definitions and examples in English?

◆ What It Really Means

To deliberately ignore or avoid acknowledging a problem or responsibility by pretending not to hear or understand.

¶ Literal Meaning

To pretend to be deaf and mute.

Literal Breakdown

装聋to pretend to be deaf+作哑to pretend to be mute

◇ Mental Image

The mental picture is of someone covering their ears and mouth to avoid hearing or speaking, symbolizing deliberate ignorance or avoidance.

◈ When to Use

Imagine a coworker is criticized for a mistake but refuses to respond or acknowledge it, pretending they didn't hear the criticism.

◉ Cultural Note

This idiom reflects traditional Chinese cultural values that emphasize social harmony and avoiding direct confrontation. Pretending not to know or understand is sometimes seen as a way to maintain peace, though it can also imply irresponsibility.

informal

To pretend not to hear or understand something in order to avoid involvement or responsibility.

面对同事的困难，他选择装聋作哑，不愿帮忙。

Faced with his colleague's difficulties, he chose to play dumb and refused to help.

老板问起迟到的原因，他只好装聋作哑。

When the boss asked about the reason for being late, he had no choice but to play dumb.

Often used to describe avoiding responsibility or refusing to acknowledge a problem.

Collocations

装聋作哑地对待to turn a blind eye to故意装聋作哑to deliberately feign ignorance

to pretend ignorance or stupidity

装模作样idiom

to pretend or put on an act

Pro Tip

Avoiding Misuse

Do not use this idiom to describe someone who is genuinely unaware of a situation. It specifically implies deliberate avoidance.

Gold Rule

Context Matters

This idiom is best used in scenarios where someone is avoiding responsibility or ignoring a problem intentionally.

Word Origin

The idiom originates from the combination of two actions: '装聋' (pretending to be deaf) and '作哑' (pretending to be mute). It metaphorically describes someone who deliberately ignores or avoids acknowledging a situation to evade responsibility.

Usage Notes

This idiom is often used in social or workplace contexts where someone avoids taking a stand or addressing an issue. It carries a slightly negative connotation, implying cowardice or irresponsibility.

Word Breakdown

装聋

to pretend to be deaf

verb phrase

作哑

to pretend to be mute