イディオム

a sight for sore eyes

久しぶりに会えてうれしい人や、見てとても喜ばしい・ありがたいもの。

一般中級一般的

emotionscommonintermediate

Meaning

A person or thing that is especially pleasant or welcome to see, often after an absence or in an unpleasant setting.

Origin

The expression is recorded from the 18th century. It humorously suggests that seeing something pleasing can relieve sore eyes.

Examples

After a week of rain, the clear blue sky was a sight for sore eyes.

一週間雨が続いたあと、澄んだ青空は本当にうれしい眺めだった。

You’re a sight for sore eyes—I haven’t seen you since graduation.

あなたに会えて本当にうれしいよ。卒業以来会っていなかったからね。

That little café was a sight for sore eyes after hours of driving.

何時間も運転したあと、その小さなカフェは本当にありがたい光景だった。

Seeing the children safely back home was a sight for sore eyes.

子どもたちが無事に家へ戻った姿を見て、とてもほっとした。

In the crowded airport, her familiar face was a sight for sore eyes.

混雑した空港で、彼女の見慣れた顔は会えてとても嬉しいものだった。

Notes (English)

A warm, friendly, often slightly playful expression. It commonly greets someone not seen for a while, but can also describe a welcome view or object.

Grammar & Usage Notes (English)

Usually used as a noun phrase after be: “You’re a sight for sore eyes.” It may take an article such as “a” and can be modified, but the core wording is largely fixed.

類義語・近い表現

a welcome sight, a welcome relief

反義語

英語の反義語はありません。