YourDictionary

Dictionary Home » Phrase Meanings » sight for sore eyes, a

What does "sight for sore eyes, a" mean?

One whom it is a relief or joy to see, as in Linda, who had not seen him in 15 years, told him he was a sight for sore eyes. This idiom implies an appearance so welcome that it heals ailing eyes. [First half of 1700s]

link/cite print suggestion box