know (someone or something) by sight

know (someone or something) by sight

To recognize someone or something based solely on appearance (without knowing any other information, such as a name, etc.). Even after working there for a year, there were still some co-workers I only knew by sight. I'd know the place by sight, but I don't think I could tell you how to get there.

See also: by, know, sight

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

know someone by sight

to recognize a person's face, but not know the name. I'm afraid I don't know her by sight. I know all my employees by sight.

See also: by, know, sight

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

know by sight

Recognize someone or something by appearance but not know the name or other details. For example, I know a lot of people by sight from the tennis courts. [1200s]

See also: by, know, sight

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

know somebody by ˈsight

recognize somebody and know who they are, without having spoken to them: I haven’t actually met Dr. Galston, but I know him by sight of course.

See also: by, know, sight, somebody

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017