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A sorry sight

What's the meaning of the phrase 'A sorry sight'?

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

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.

The history of “A sorry sight” in printed materials

Trend of a sorry sight in printed material over time

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About the Author

Gary Martin is a writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.

Gary Martin

Writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.
A sorry sight

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