not a pretty sight

not a pretty sight

1. Unattractive or visually unappealing. I tried painting the house myself, but the result was not a pretty sight.
2. Very unpleasant, undesirable, or unfortunate. Did you see the boss tearing into John? Oof, not a pretty sight.
See also: not, pretty, sight
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

not a pretty sight

INFORMAL
If you say that someone or something is not a pretty sight, you mean that it is not pleasant to look at. The bathroom is not a pretty sight. The wallpaper's peeling, the tiles are crumbling. It's the first time I've seen Rich get angry, and it's not a pretty sight.
See also: not, pretty, sight
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

not a pretty sight

not a pleasant spectacle or situation. informal
See also: not, pretty, sight
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

ˌnot a pretty ˈsight

(humorous) a very unpleasant or shocking sight: When he stepped out of that boxing ring, he wasn’t a pretty sight, I can tell you.
See also: not, pretty, sight
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • be (as) ugly as sin
  • barney
  • the armpit of (some place)
  • the armpit of somewhere
  • (as) ugly as sin
  • as ugly as sin
  • be no oil painting
  • (as) ugly as a toad
  • Wilma
  • gag a maggot