sore

be a sight for sore eyes (informal)

if someone or something is a sight for sore eyes, you feel happy to see them. A cup of coffee - that's a sight for sore eyes. You're a sight for sore eyes, all dressed up in your new outfit.

See also: eye, sight

be like a bear with a sore head (British & Australian, humorous)

to be in a bad mood which causes you to treat other people badly and complain a lot. If his newspaper doesn't arrive by breakfast time he's like a bear with a sore head.

See also: bear, head, like

a sore point/spot

a subject which someone would prefer not to talk about because it makes them angry or embarrassed. I tried not to make any reference to Mike's drinking habits - I know it's a sore point with Kay at the moment. (often + with)

See also: point, spot

stand/stick out like a sore thumb

if someone or something sticks out like a sore thumb, everyone notices them because they are very different from the other people or things around them. Everyone else was in jeans and casual gear and I had my office clothes on - I stuck out like a sore thumb.

See also: like, stand, stick, thumb

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a sight for sore eyes

something you are happy to see. The many taxis in the city are a sight for sore eyes when it's raining.

See also: eye, sight

stick out like a sore thumb

to be easily noticed as different. Ted wore old jeans to the party, and he stuck out like a sore thumb among all the well-dressed guests.

See also: like, stick, thumb