sight for sore eyes, a

a sight for sore eyes

cliché Someone or something that one is excited or overjoyed to see, often after a long absence or separation. Charlie, I can't believe you're back in town! Get over here, you're a sight for sore eyes! I'm so tired after being on tour. My bed is a sight for sore eyes.
See also: eye, sight, sore
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

sight for sore eyes

Fig. a welcome sight. Oh, am I glad to see you here! You're a sight for sore eyes. I'm sure hungry. This meal is a sight for sore eyes.
See also: eye, sight, sore
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

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]
See also: sight, sore
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

a sight for sore eyes

If someone or something is a sight for sore eyes, they are very attractive to look at. The sunset over the Strait of Malacca is a sight for sore eyes. You're a sight for sore eyes in your white dress, Milly!
See also: eye, sight, sore
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

a sight for sore eyes

a person or thing that is very attractive or that you are extremely pleased or relieved to see. informal
See also: eye, sight, sore
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

sight for sore eyes

Informal
One whom it is a relief or joy to see.
See also: eye, sight, sore
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.

sight for sore eyes, a

The unexpected appearance of someone or something one is very glad to see. The implications is that it will heal ailing eyes, obviously not to be taken literally. Jonathan Swift used it in Polite Conversation (1738): “The sight of you is good for sore eyes.”
See also: sight, sore
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer
See also:
  • Ding, ding, ding, we have a winner!
  • a sight to behold
  • 200
  • do not pass Go, do not collect $200
  • do not pass Go, do not collect two hundred dollars
  • (I'll) see you in hell!
  • reliance
  • reliance on
  • reliance on (someone or something)
  • compute