A sight for sore eyes

Meaning

"A sight for sore eyes" is an idiom that means to see something or someone that is extremely pleasing or delightful after a long time of being away from it. It can also mean seeing something that is particularly interesting or unusual.

Usage

• After months of being apart, the couple finally got to see each other again and it was truly a sight for sore eyes.
• The rain had stopped and the sun came out, making the lush green park a sight for sore eyes.
• The old friend's visit was like a breath of fresh air and a sight for sore eyes after weeks of being cooped up at home.
• The new restaurant's menu offered some truly unique dishes that were a sight for sore eyes.
• The colorful flowers in the garden brightened up the dull landscape and were a sight for sore eyes.

Roots and History

The idiom "a sight for sore eyes" dates back to the 16th century and is believed to have originated from the phrase "to soothe sore eyes." It was used to describe something that was pleasing or delightful to see after a long time of being away from it. Over time, the idiom evolved into its current meaning of describing something that is particularly interesting or unusual.

Synonyms in English

• A joy to behold
• A sight to behold
• A treat to see
• A pleasure to behold
• An eye-catching sight

Synonyms in other languages

• French - une vue méritable (a worthy view)
• Spanish - una vista maravillosa (a marvelous view)
• Italian - una vista da godere (a view to enjoy)
• German - eine schöne Sicht (a beautiful sight)
• Russian - зрение (vision/sight)

Similar Idioms

• upper hand

• after blood

• grit one’s teeth