A sight for sore eyes Meaning and Definition
A sight for sore eyes
Pronunciation
/ˈsɔr ˈaɪz/
Part of Speech
Idiomatic expression
Definition
A person, place, or thing that is pleasing to the senses and provides relief or comfort after a period of difficulty or unpleasantness.
Examples
- The warm sunshine was a sight for sore eyes after a week of rain.
- The beautiful beach was a sight for sore eyes after a long, grueling hike.
Synonyms
- Relief
- Comfort
- Reprieve
Antonyms
- Disappointment
- Disappointment
- Unpleasantness
Etymology
The phrase “a sight for sore eyes” is thought to have originated in the 17th century, when it was used to describe a person or thing that was a welcome relief after a period of difficulty or unpleasantness. The phrase is likely derived from the idea that a sore eye would be a welcome relief after a period of discomfort or pain.
Usage Notes
The phrase “a sight for sore eyes” is often used to express relief or comfort after a period of difficulty or unpleasantness. It can be used to describe a person, place, or thing that provides a welcome respite from a challenging situation. For example, “The sight of the ocean was a sight for sore eyes after a week at sea.”
Cultural References
The phrase “a sight for sore eyes” has been used in various forms of media, including literature, film, and music. For example, in the novel “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the character of Nick Carraway describes the sight of the green light across the water as “a sight for sore eyes.”
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- Eye candy
- Eye opener
- Eye sore
Related Words or Phrases
- Relief
- Comfort
- Reprieve
Collocations
- a breath of fresh air
- a welcome change
- a much-needed break
Frequency of Use
The phrase “a sight for sore eyes” is a relatively common idiomatic expression, but its frequency of use has decreased in recent years. According to the Corpus of Contemporary American English, the phrase has a frequency of 0.01 per million words.
Common Misspellings
- sight for sore eye
- sight for sore eye’s
- sight for sore eyes’
Additional Information
The phrase “a sight for sore eyes” is often used to express relief or comfort after a period of difficulty or unpleasantness. It can be used to describe a person, place, or thing that provides a welcome respite from a challenging situation. For example, “The sight of the ocean was a sight for sore eyes after a week at sea.” The phrase is often used in informal settings, such as in conversation or in writing. It is not typically used in formal or professional settings, such as in business or academic writing.
The phrase “a sight for sore eyes” has been used in various forms of media, including literature, film, and music. For example, in the novel “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the character of Nick Carraway describes the sight of the green light across the water as “a sight for sore eyes.” The phrase has also been used in popular culture, such as in the phrase “a sight for sore eyes” used by the character of Homer Simpson in the TV show “The Simpsons.”
The phrase “a sight for sore eyes” is a relatively common idiomatic expression, but its frequency of use has decreased in recent years. According to the Corpus of Contemporary American English, the phrase has a frequency of 0.01 per million words. Despite its relatively low frequency of use, the phrase remains a popular and recognizable expression in modern language.