ENGLISH
REFERENCE

I see, said the blind man

idiom
Meaning

Expressing confusion.


Origin

first recorded 19th c.

USA, about 1860. This form of word play is known as a Wellerism.

Examples
SIMPLE

I see, said the blind man, as he picked up his hammer and saw.

CONTEXTUAL

When the teacher explained the complex math problem for the third time, the student muttered, I see, said the blind man, still looking completely confused.

COMPLEX

He offered a weak smile and replied, I see, said the blind man, though it was clear to everyone in the room that he had understood absolutely nothing of the instructions.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    be a man

    To put up with something or take responsibility for it; to deal with something, such as pain or misfortune, without complaining.

  2. 02

    be one's own man

    To behave independently without the influence of others.

  3. 03

    be the bigger man

    To walk away from a conflict to prevent it from escalating.

  4. 04

    blind date

    A date (romantic meeting) between two people who have never met before.

  5. 05

    blind leading the blind

    A situation in which an unqualified person is attempting to guide, advise, or train others.

  6. 06

    blind with science

    To overwhelm someone with details in order to influence or mislead them.

  7. 07

    boldly go where no man has gone before

    To break new ground.

  8. 08

    broken man

    A man who has suffered significant and enduring emotional pain as a result of a highly unpleasant or traumatic event.

© 2026 English Reference