Know somebody by sight

phrase

To recognize a person visually but not know them personally.

I know my neighbor by sight, but we've never spoken to each other.

Often appears as...

know him by sight
know her by sight

Usage tips

Idiomatic

phrase

To recognize a person visually but not know them personally.

I know my neighbor by sight, but we've never spoken to each other.

Often appears as...

know him by sight
know her by sight

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1

Visual representation of "know somebody by sight"

Pro Tip 1/3

Visual Recognition

This phrase implies you can visually recognize someone but lack personal connection or interaction.

At company events, I know many colleagues by sight but haven't worked with them directly.

Pro Tip 2/3

Acquaintance Level

Use this phrase to describe a low level of acquaintance, mainly through frequent visual encounters.

I know some parents by sight from school meetings.

Pro Tip 3/3

Not for Introductions

Avoid using this phrase when introducing someone, as it indicates you're not personally acquainted.

I can't introduce you to her; I only know her by sight.

Pro Tip 1/3

Visual Recognition

This phrase implies you can visually recognize someone but lack personal connection or interaction.

At company events, I know many colleagues by sight but haven't worked with them directly.

Pro Tip 2/3

Acquaintance Level

Use this phrase to describe a low level of acquaintance, mainly through frequent visual encounters.

I know some parents by sight from school meetings.

Pro Tip 3/3

Not for Introductions

Avoid using this phrase when introducing someone, as it indicates you're not personally acquainted.

I can't introduce you to her; I only know her by sight.

Pro Tip 1/3

Visual Recognition

This phrase implies you can visually recognize someone but lack personal connection or interaction.

At company events, I know many colleagues by sight but haven't worked with them directly.

Pro Tip 2/3

Acquaintance Level

Use this phrase to describe a low level of acquaintance, mainly through frequent visual encounters.

I know some parents by sight from school meetings.

Pro Tip 3/3

Not for Introductions

Avoid using this phrase when introducing someone, as it indicates you're not personally acquainted.

I can't introduce you to her; I only know her by sight.

Visual representation of the word "Know somebody by sight"

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