ENGLISH
REFERENCE

sight unseen

idiom
Meaning

Not having seen the object beforehand.


Origin

first recorded 19th c.

Absolute construction reportedly first attested 1892.

Examples
SIMPLE

I bought the used car sight unseen.

CONTEXTUAL

He purchased the house sight unseen because he trusted his friend's recommendation about the neighborhood.

COMPLEX

The collector acquired the rare painting sight unseen, relying entirely on the reputation of the auction house to verify its authenticity.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    can't stand the sight of

    To hate vehemently; to really despise.

  2. 02

    catch sight of

    to see for a brief period; to get a glimpse of

  3. 03

    get out of my sight

    Stop bothering or harassing me; go away.

  4. 04

    hidden in plain sight

    Seemingly hidden, but actually not hidden and easy to find.

  5. 05

    hide in plain sight

    To be unnoticeable, by staying visible in a setting that masks presence.

  6. 06

    love at first sight

    an instantaneous attraction

  7. 07

    not a pretty sight

    Something disappointing, disquieting, disreputable, or otherwise unworthy of admiration.

  8. 08

    out of sight

    Not yet attainable.

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