Whiteisms
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Etymology Journal ยท A

A sight for sore eyes

Meaning

An expression used when you are very happy to see someone or something. It implies that the person or object is a relief or a welcome change.

Relieved, welcoming

Used in a sentence

  • You are a sight for sore eyes, I thought you were never going to get home.
  • That cold glass of tea was a sight for sore eyes after working in the yard.
  • Seeing your smiling face is a sight for sore eyes after this long week.

The backstory

This goes back to at least the 18th century, referring to the physical pain of straining one's eyes. Seeing something pleasant was thought to soothe those tired eyes.

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