see the light, to

see the light

To understand or come to accept something, especially something that one was previously confused about or skeptical of. Tutoring helped me see the light about these physics equations. I used to wonder why people disliked Lydia, but I started seeing the light after I overheard her making fun of me. After rejecting for years the possibility of using marijuana for medicinal purposes, the government seems to finally be seeing the light.See also: light, see

see the light (at the end of the tunnel)

Fig. to foresee an end to one's problems after a long period of time. (See also begin to see the light.) I had been horribly ill for two months before I began to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I began to see the light one day in early spring. At that moment, I knew I'd get well.See also: light, see

see the light (of day)

Fig. to come to the end of a very busy time. Finally, when the holiday season was over, we could see the light of day. We had been so busy! When business lets up for a while, we'll be able to see the light.See also: light, see

see the light

Fig. to understand something clearly at last. After a lot of studying and asking many questions, I finally saw the light. I know that geometry is difficult. Keep working at it. You'll see the light pretty soon.See also: light, see

see the light

Also, begin to see the light. Understand or begin to understand something; also, see the merit of another's explanation or decision. For example, Dean had been trying to explain that tax deduction for fifteen minutes when I finally saw the light , or Pat was furious she and her friends were not allowed to go hiking on their own in the mountains, but she began to see the light when a group got lost up there . This term, dating from the late 1600s, originally referred to religious conversion, the light meaning "true religion." By the early 1800s it was used more broadly for any kind of understanding. Also see light at the end of a tunnel; see the light of day. See also: light, see

see the light

COMMON1. If someone sees the light, they realize or understand something, often something that makes them change wrong or unpleasant behaviour or opinions. Eventually he had seen the light and broken off the relationship.2. If someone sees the light, they start believing in a religion. Pray for them that they may see the light.See also: light, see

see the light

1 understand or realize something after prolonged thought or doubt. 2 undergo religious conversion.See also: light, see

see the ˈlight


1 understand or accept something after you have spent a lot of time thinking about it: I think he’s finally seen the light and is going to retire while he’s still able to enjoy himself.
2 change what you believe as a result of a religious experience: She was an atheist but now she says she’s seen the light.See also: light, see

see the light, to

To become converted to a new belief, to understand. Originally this term referred exclusively to religious conversion, but by the early nineteenth century it had begun to be used more generally: “He was opposed to a revival of navigation on the Missouri, but now he has seen the light and says he’s for it” (Kansas City Times and Star, 1889). See also light at the end of a tunnel.See also: see