See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil
Just as there is disagreement about the origin of the phrase, there are differing explanations of the meaning of "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil".
In Buddhist tradition, the tenets of the proverb are about not dwelling on evil thoughts.
The proverb and the image are often used to refer to a lack of moral responsibility on the part of people who refuse to acknowledge impropriety, looking the other way or feigning ignorance.
It may also signify a code of silence in gangs or corrupt enterprises.
I personally like the Buddhist view. It’s what occurred to me recently. As within so without.