Phrase guide

on sight

noun · prep_phrase · 4 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • Australia: Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.

1

noun

Meaning 1

An ascent of a route without falling, on the first attempt, without having been advised on it or having seen it prior.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Topics: climbing, hobbies, lifestyle, sports

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

prep_phrase

Meaning 2

Immediately when sighted.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • I recognized him on sight.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

prep_phrase

Meaning 3

Immediately upon coming to one's attention.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: broadly

Examples

  • He dismissed the idea on sight.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

4

prep_phrase

Meaning 4

cause for a fight, immediately upon encounter without deliberation.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: broadly, slang

Examples

  • If he keeps talking crap about me, its on sight.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

12 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • German: gleich — immediately when sighted
  • German: sofort — immediately when sighted
  • German: unmittelbar — immediately when sighted
  • German: beim ersten Anblick — immediately when sighted
  • German: auf den ersten Blick — immediately when sighted
  • Italian: a vista — immediately when sighted
  • Spanish: a primera vista — immediately when sighted
  • Turkish: görür görmez — immediately when sighted
  • French: à vue — when it comes to one's attention
  • German: gleich — when it comes to one's attention
  • German: sofort — when it comes to one's attention
  • German: unmittelbar — when it comes to one's attention