The GATE Grind

GATE 2016 CE (CE2) – Question 2

General Aptitude · Verbal Aptitude: Grammar and Vocabulary · 1 mark · Multiple choice

He **turned a deaf ear to** my request. What does the highlighted phrasal verb mean?

  1. ignored
  2. appreciated
  3. twisted
  4. returned

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Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: (A) ignored

Explanation

To turn a deaf ear to something means deliberately to disregard it or decline to pay attention. The closest choice is **ignored, A**. The expression is idiomatic and does not describe a literal physical turning of the ear.