Where "Blind Freddy" Comes From
"Blind Freddy" is first recorded in Sydney newspapers in the early 1900s, growing out of an older, more general saying — "even a blind man could see that." Over time, Australians personalised the generic blind man into a specific (if entirely fictional) character named Freddy.
Various real people have been suggested as the "original" Blind Freddy over the years, including a blind Sydney hawker from the 1920s known for recognising customers by voice alone, and a 19th-century police officer — but no solid evidence ties the phrase to either, and it's most likely always been a purely imaginary figure.
"Even Blind Freddy could see that deal was never going to work out."
How Aussies Actually Use It
"Even Blind Freddy could see that" is used to underline just how obvious something is, often with a bit of exasperation at someone who's missed it.
It's most common in commentary and everyday conversation about decisions, mistakes, or outcomes that, in hindsight, should have been completely predictable.
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