The saying “blind as a bat” can refer to literal or metaphorical blindness. Bats are not completely blind but have poor daytime vision. The expression can be used to describe clumsiness or lack of attention. It can also refer to a person’s inability to see negative traits in others or their own limitations. It is often used sarcastically or humorously.
“Blind as a bat” is a reference to someone who is unable to see well. The meaning can be literal or metaphorical, referring to an actual physical environment or situation. As an idiom, “blind as a bat” could refer to a person’s inability to see another individual or a relationship clearly.
The saying has been around for centuries. It is considered one of the oldest English sayings. Many use it jokingly to refer to someone who can’t see clearly without glasses. As an interesting fact, bats are not completely blind. While their daytime vision is considered poor, they are able to see better at night.
It is during the day that most bats have difficulty seeing objects clearly. They tend to be nocturnal and use their sense of hearing to navigate environments. the expression could be used to describe someone who is clumsy or moves poorly through physical settings.
Those who suddenly experience the degeneration of their vision might describe themselves as “blind as a bat.” It is often used sarcastically to make fun of the situation. Some use the expression to express humor about the aging process or to make light of the need for eyeglasses.
For example, an individual who wears bifocals may joke about his vision by claiming that he is unable to locate objects in a room because he is “blind as a bat.” Others may make fun of their ability to see signs or spot landmarks while driving. Some people might use the expression to mean that they aren’t very attentive to their surroundings, missing things that are right in front of them.
“Blind as a bat” could also refer to a person’s metaphorical blindness when it comes to negative traits and characteristics in others. When someone enters a friendship or romantic relationship with another person, he may only notice the qualities he wants to see. Positive or common qualities can “blind” him to the other person’s true nature and intent. Others who observe the relationship and can “see” the traits from an unbiased perspective can use the saying.
Some people may not see situations clearly. For example, they may have unrealistic expectations when it comes to securing a job after graduating from a graduate program with no experience. This is a type of “blindness” that others can describe using the idiom. Individuals may also misjudge their own abilities and skills and not be able to “see” themselves clearly.
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