blinders: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Mostly informal in metaphorical usage; specialized in equestrian and sports contexts.
Quick answer
What does “blinders” mean?
A pair of flaps or shields attached to a horse's bridle to prevent it from seeing sideways, thus keeping it focused forward.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A pair of flaps or shields attached to a horse's bridle to prevent it from seeing sideways, thus keeping it focused forward.
1) (Metaphorical) A narrow, rigid viewpoint that prevents someone from considering alternative ideas or perspectives. 2) (US, Sports, Baseball/Football) An outstanding performance that leads to victory; a game-winning play. (Note: This sports sense is informal, often used in phrases like 'pull on the blinders').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, the equestrian device is almost exclusively called 'blinkers'. The term 'blinders' is understood but less common. In American English, 'blinders' is the standard term for the equipment. The metaphorical use ('to have blinders on') is common in both varieties but is somewhat more prevalent in AmE. The informal sports sense ('put on the blinders') is primarily American.
Connotations
In both varieties, the metaphorical use carries a negative connotation of narrow-mindedness. In AmE sports usage, it can be positive, implying heroic, single-minded focus.
Frequency
For the concrete object, 'blinkers' is high-frequency in BrE, 'blinders' is high-frequency in AmE. The metaphorical phrase is mid-frequency in both.
Grammar
How to Use “blinders” in a Sentence
[Subject] + put on + blinders[Subject] + have + blinders + on[Subject] + see + [Object] + through + blindersVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “blinders” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A - Not standard as a verb.
American English
- N/A - Not standard as a verb.
adverb
British English
- N/A - Not standard as an adverb.
American English
- N/A - Not standard as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- N/A - Not standard as an adjective.
American English
- N/A - Not standard as an adjective.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Critiquing a competitor or strategy: 'Their blinders about digital transformation cost them the market.'
Academic
Discussing research bias: 'The study was conducted without the cultural blinders of its time.'
Everyday
Discussing someone's stubborn opinion: 'He has blinders on when it comes to politics.'
Technical
Equestrian: 'The trainer fitted the horse with blinders for the starting gate.' Sports (AmE): 'The quarterback put on the blinders for that final drive.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “blinders”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “blinders”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “blinders”
- Using 'blinders' as a singular noun for the metaphorical sense (e.g., 'He has a blinder' - incorrect; should be 'He has blinders on' or 'He is wearing blinders').
- Confusing 'blinders' (AmE) with 'a blinder' (BrE slang for a great play).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They refer to the same piece of horse equipment. 'Blinders' is the standard American English term. 'Blinkers' is the standard British English term. In metaphorical use, both are understood globally.
Yes, but it's context-dependent. In everyday metaphorical use, it's usually negative (implying narrow-mindedness). However, in informal American sports commentary, 'to put on the blinders' describes an athlete's heroic, focused effort to win, which is positive.
Yes, it is a common idiom meaning to be willfully ignorant or narrowly focused on one thing to the exclusion of all else. It is used in both personal and professional contexts.
Use it as a plural noun, typically in phrases like 'have blinders on', 'wear blinders', or 'remove your blinders'. Example: 'We need to take off our cultural blinders to appreciate this art form.'
A pair of flaps or shields attached to a horse's bridle to prevent it from seeing sideways, thus keeping it focused forward.
Blinders is usually mostly informal in metaphorical usage; specialized in equestrian and sports contexts. in register.
Blinders: in British English it is pronounced /ˈblaɪn.dəz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈblaɪn.dɚz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to have blinders/blinkers on”
- “to put on the blinders”
- “to run with the blinders on”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a horse with BLINDERS - it can only see what's directly ahead, BLIND to everything on the SIDES. A person with mental 'blinders' is similarly blind to other viewpoints.
Conceptual Metaphor
NARROW VISION IS PHYSICAL BLINDING / A RESTRICTED VIEWPOINT IS A VISUAL OBSTRUCTION.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'blinders' MOST likely to have a POSITIVE connotation?