sight for sore eyes, a

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]

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Regardless, they all beheld a sight for sore eyes: a beautiful private first class standing on the Hampton Roads, Va., dock and welcoming them home.