Idiom
live in blissful ignorance
To be happily unaware of unpleasant facts or problems.
Meanings
To be happily unaware of a problem, risk, or unpleasant truth.
To avoid learning the truth because it would be stressful or inconvenient, and to feel better because of that.
Definition
To live in blissful ignorance means to be unaware of something important, usually something negative, and to feel fine or even happy because you do not know. It often suggests that knowing the truth would cause worry, embarrassment, or responsibility. The phrase can be neutral in casual speech but is often mildly critical.
Examples
- He chose to live in blissful ignorance about the rumors at work.
- If you don’t check your bank balance, you can live in blissful ignorance for a while.
- They live in blissful ignorance of how much their renovation will actually cost.
- I tried to live in blissful ignorance, but the truth eventually came out.
Common mistake
Learners sometimes say "live with blissful ignorance" instead of the correct "live in blissful ignorance."
More idiom (verb phrase)s
- touch base To touch base means to briefly contact someone to share updates, confirm plans, or check progress.
- take the mickey To take the mickey means to mock someone or tease them in an unkind or cheeky way.
- drop the ball To drop the ball means to make a mistake or fail to do something you were responsible for.
- have a chinwag To have a chinwag means to have a relaxed, friendly chat with someone.
- face the music To accept and deal with the unpleasant consequences of what you have done or a difficult situation.