sight unseen

Idioms

Without having viewed the object in question, as in He bought the horse sight unseen. This seeming oxymoron—how can a sight, which means something seen, be not seen?—dates from the late 1800s.

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.

Decades since Luna Luna was packed away, Goldberg rallied a team of investors to buy what might be left of the exhibition from the foundation - sight unseen.

From BBC • Dec. 22, 2024

Netflix's hit reality dating show is based on the premise that its participants can build lasting relationships and marriages by getting to know another person "sight unseen" – just by talking to them.

From Salon • Dec. 12, 2024

Even sight unseen, there’s a lot this project has going for it.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 6, 2024

The possibility of a hoax remains, but the novel ends by confirming the validity of the techno-romance: Genuine connection transcends material limitations and can occur solely in words exchanged, sight unseen.

From Slate • May 27, 2024

He checked out apartment rentals through www.relconapartments.com and grabbed an affordable-sounding, two-bedroom w/balcony on the train route in suburban Richton Park, sight unseen.

From "Geeks: How Two Lost Boys Rode the Internet Out of Idaho" by Jon Katz

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023