Sight for Sore Eyes: Meaning and Definitions
- “Sight for sore eyes” is an idiom that means a person or thing that one is extremely pleased or relieved to see.
- It refers to something or someone that is pleasant to look at, especially when they are a welcome contrast to what has gone before.
- This phrase is often used when someone or something is welcome, relieving, or pleasing to see.
- It can also express a sense of relief at the arrival or appearance of someone or something.
- Furthermore, it implies a sense of appreciation for something beautiful, attractive, or much-needed.
Sight for Sore Eyes Synonyms
- Welcome sight
- Pleasant view
- Happy to see
Example Sentences
- After a long day at work, seeing my bed was a sight for sore eyes.
- The blossoming garden in the middle of the city was a sight for sore eyes.
- After being lost for hours, the road sign was a sight for sore eyes.
- He was a sight for sore eyes in his new suit at the party.
- Seeing her friend waiting for her at the airport was a sight for sore eyes.
The Origins and Etymology of Sight for Sore Eyes
The phrase “sight for sore eyes” first appeared in Jonathan Swift’s ‘A complete collection of genteel and ingenious conversation’ in 1738.
The phrase has since been used in literature and everyday conversation to describe a person or thing that one is pleased or relieved to see.
More about its history can be found here.
The phrase “sight for sore eyes” has been frequently used in literary texts.
For instance, in Charles Dickens’ ‘The Pickwick Papers’, Mr. Pickwick exclaims, “You’re a sight for sore eyes,” expressing his delight upon meeting his friends.
Further details can be found here.
