PhraseFinder

Meaning

A sorry sight

The meaning of the phrase

A 'sorry sight' is a regrettable and unwelcome feature. Now also used to mean something or someone of untidy appearance.

Pronunciation
A sorry sight

What’s the origin of the phrase ‘A sorry sight’?

The phrase originated in Shakespeare’s play Macbeth, 1605:

MACBETH:
Hark! Who lies i’ the second chamber?

LADY MACBETH:
Donalbain.

MACBETH:
This is a sorry sight.
[Looking on his hands]

LADY MACBETH:
A foolish thought, to say a sorry sight.

Examples of use

  • 1. These Georgian townhouses were beautiful when they were built, but they make a sorry sight now they’ve been left unoccupied and vandalised. 2. Since Jim hit the bottle after Joan left him he’s not been taking care of himself. He looked a sorry sight today just dressed in old clothes and slippers.

UsageWidely used.

From the Phrase Finder idioms collection, written by Gary Martin.

Historical trend

“A sorry sight” in printed material over time

Source: Google Books Ngrams (1800–2020).

180018201840186018801900192019401960198020002020
  • A sorry sight

Sources

  1. William Shakespeare, Macbeth (1605) · named as the origin of the phrase