PhrasesHub

A sorry sight

    Definitions

      • to describe something or someone as appearing sad, pitiable, or unattractive
        Often used to describe a person who is in a poor physical or emotional state, or to describe an object or situation that is unappealing or unattractive in appearance.

      • to express disappointment or displeasure in something or someone
        Often used to express disappointment in a situation or a person's actions, implying that it is a disappointing or regrettable situation.

    Examples of A sorry sight

    • The abandoned building with broken windows and peeling paint was a sorry sight.

      This idiom is used to describe something that is unpleasant or unfortunate to see. In this example, the building is in a state of disrepair, making it an unfortunate and unpleasant sight.

    • After the game, the team's performance was a sorry sight.

      This idiom can also be used to describe a person or group's actions or behavior as unfortunate or unpleasant. In this example, the team's performance after the game was disappointing and unfortunate to see.

    • The once-beautiful garden had turned into a sorry sight.

      This idiom can also be used to describe how something that was once pleasant or attractive has become unpleasant or unfortunate. In this example, the garden, which was once beautiful, has deteriorated and become an unfortunate sight.

    • The job interview went terribly, and I left feeling like a sorry sight.

      This idiom can also be used to describe how a person feels after an unfortunate or unpleasant experience. In this example, the person left the job interview feeling disappointed and unfortunate about their performance.

    • The traffic on the highway was a sorry sight, with cars bumper to bumper for miles.

      This idiom can also be used to describe a situation that is unpleasant or unfortunate to witness. In this example, the heavy traffic on the highway is an unfortunate sight for drivers trying to navigate the congestion.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "a sorry sight" is typically used to describe something or someone as appearing sad, pitiable, or unattractive. It can also be used to express disappointment or displeasure in a situation or person. The phrase is often used to evoke a feeling of pity or sympathy towards the subject being described.

    Origin of "A sorry sight"

    The origin of this idiom is not clear, but it is believed to have originated in the early 19th century. The word "sorry" in this context is used to mean "pitiable" or "unfortunate," and "sight" refers to something that is seen or observed. Therefore, the phrase can be interpreted as a pitiable or unfortunate thing to see.

    One theory suggests that the idiom may have originated from the Bible, specifically from the Book of Job, in which Job says, "My soul is weary of my life; I will leave my complaint upon myself; I will speak in the bitterness of my soul. I will say unto God, Do not condemn me; shew me wherefore thou contendest with me. Is it good unto thee that thou shouldest oppress, that thou shouldest despise the work of thine hands, and shine upon the counsel of the wicked?" (Job 10:1-3, King James Version). In this passage, Job is expressing his sorrow and lamenting his current situation, possibly describing himself as a "sorry sight."

    Another theory suggests that the idiom may have originated from the phrase "a sight for sore eyes," which means something or someone that is pleasing or comforting to see. Over time, "a sight for sore eyes" may have evolved into "a sorry sight," with "sorry" being used to express a negative or undesirable situation or appearance.

    Overall, the idiom "a sorry sight" is commonly used in everyday language to describe something or someone as appearing sad or pitiable, or to express disappointment or displeasure in a situation or person. Its origin may be linked to religious or cultural influences, but its exact roots are unclear.