Meaning of A Sight for Sore Eyes
A sight for sore eyes is something or someone that is extremely pleasant or comforting to look at, especially after a long period of exhaustion or discomfort; something that brings relief or joy, making a person feel better about their situation; something that brings relief or happiness; something or someone that we are pleased to see.
Usage Notes
For example, imagine coming home after a long day at work, and all you can think of is relaxing in your comfortable couch and relaxing with a good book. When you enter the room, you see your spouse who just came back from a business trip and is standing in front of you with a bouquet of flowers and a warm smile on their face. The sight of your loved one, who has been absent, makes you happy, especially given how weary you are so you say “You’re a sight for sore eyes!”
Sentence Examples
“Aren’t you a sight for sore eyes,” said Grandpa to Linda.
“I’m so glad you are back. What a sight for sore eyes.”
“I missed this old car. Sure is a sight for sore eyes.”
“Man, are you a sight for sore eyes. Let me look at you.” “Marty, you’re acting like you haven’t seen me in a week.” — Back to the Future Part II (1989)
“Shrek! Fiona! Aren’t you two a sight for sore eyes! Give us a hug, Shrek, you old love machine.” — Shrek 2 (2004)
“Well, you’re a sight for sore eyes. I ain’t seen you to nigh onto five years. Where ya been?” — Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988)
Origin
Used since the 1700s, this idiom alludes to a sight that is so pleasant that it heals one’s ailing eyes. 1Ammer, Christine. American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2013.
