Sight for sore eyes (A)

Definitions

• something or someone that is a welcome and comforting sight
  To express joy or relief at seeing someone or something after a long time or in a situation where they are needed

Examples of Sight for sore eyes (A)

• After Pablo's surgery, the nurse brought in a vase filled with bright yellow sunflowers. The sight of the cheerful flowers was like a balm to Pablo's weary eyes. It was a true "sight for sore eyes" as he looked out the hospital window, ennerved by the constant beep of machines and the sterile white walls.

  The idiom "sight for sore eyes" here means something pleasing or attractive to the eyes or a welcome relief from discomfort or fatigue. In this case, the sunflowers brought happiness and comfort to Pablo's eyes, which had undergone a surgical procedure and were sore from the process. Their bright, cheerful nature provided a welcome distraction from the monotony of the hospital environment.

• The teacher had been grading papers for hours, and her eyes were burning with fatigue. She looked up to see her students busy with their assignments, but their faces seemed washed out and blurry. That's when she spotted her favorite mug, filled with steaming hot chocolate, on her desk. It was like a "sight for sore eyes" for the teacher, and she felt her spirits lift as she savored the cozy drink.

  In this example, the teacher had been looking at papers all day, which had strained her eyes and made them sore. The students' faces looked hazy and nondescript, as her eyes were tired and strained. But then, she noticed her mug of hot chocolate, and it was like a spot of color in an otherwise drab scene. The idiom conveys that the sight of the hot chocolate brought comfort and pleasure to her, and it lifted her spirits in a mundane and repetitive workday.

• The artist had been working on her canvas for days, and it seemed like she would never finish. She was staring blankly at the painting, searching for just the right color to bring the flowers to life. That's when she spotted a bright red lipstick in her makeup bag, lying next to her palette. In that moment, it was like a "sight for sore eyes" for the artist. She knew that the red color would help her bring the painting to life, and she felt a renewed sense of energy and motivation.

  In this example, the artist had been working on her painting for a while, and she was feeling uninspired and stumped. She was searching for the perfect color to bring her flowers to life, but nothing seemed quite right. Then, she caught sight of the red lipstick, and it was like a spark of inspiration. The idiom conveys that the sight of the red color brought her a sense of relief and renewed energy, helping her to overcome her creative block and finish the painting.

• After a long and tiring day at the office, seeing the vibrant and bustling city skyline for the first time at night was truly a sight for sore eyes.

  This idiom is commonly used to describe something pleasingly beautiful or refreshing after experiencing discomfort or fatigue. In this case, the speaker has been working for a long time and is feeling exhausted, but being able to see the city skyline for the first time at night, which is visually captivating and invigorating, is a welcome relief.

• After weeks of intense studying, the moment I saw my friend’s face with a big smile eagerly waiting to greet me, I could finally say that this was a sight for sore eyes.

  This idiom can also convey a sense of comfort and familiarity. In this scenario, the speaker has been feeling overwhelmed and exhausted from studying for an extended period, and seeing a familiar friend's welcoming face brings a sense of relief and lightness.

• The hot and scorching sun had beaten down upon me for hours, and my eyes were sore from squinting. But suddenly, the appearance of a cloud covering the sun in the sky was a true sight for sore eyes.

  This idiom can also refer to a relief from a specific discomfort. In this example, the speaker has been experiencing discomfort from prolonged exposure to bright sunlight, and the temporarily blocking of the sun by a cloud provides relief for their tired eyes.

• The endless maze of empty and abandoned buildings was nothing short of a horror show for my senses. But as the sun began to set and the first rays of orange light started peeking through the windowpanes of the dilapidated structures, my eyes finally found a sight for sore eyes.

  In this case, the speaker has been experiencing discomfort due to an unpleasant and distressing environment, but as the sun sets, the view of the sunset reflects a calming and beautiful sight, which is refreshing and welcoming.

• After a long and tiring day at work, seeing my cozy and warm home was like a sight for sore eyes.

  In this example, "sight for sore eyes" is used as a metaphor to describe a pleasing and comforting view that brings relief and eases discomfort, like a soothing balm to sore eyes. It refers to the feeling of elation and satisfaction that arises when one sees a place that they find welcoming and appealing after experiencing fatigue or discomfort.

Conclusion

The idiom "sight for sore eyes" is used to express happiness or relief at seeing someone or something that is a welcome and comforting sight. It is often used when reuniting with someone after a long time or when encountering something that is needed or brings joy in a difficult situation.

Origin of "Sight for sore eyes (A)"

The origin of the idiom "sight for sore eyes" can be traced back to the 18th century. The phrase was used in a literal sense to describe the relief and comfort that comes from seeing something pleasing after experiencing discomfort or pain. Over time, it evolved into a figurative expression to convey the joy and relief of encountering something or someone that brings happiness and comfort. The idiom is now widely used in both informal and formal language to express delight at seeing a welcome sight. For example, "After being stuck in traffic for hours, seeing my home was a sight for sore eyes."