Meaning

A sorry sight

Categorised in: Phrases coined by Shakespeare - Macbeth ·135 Phrases coined by William Shakespeare

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.

Historical trend

“A sorry sight” in printed material over time

Source: Google Books Ngrams (1800–2020).

A sorry sight