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know by sight

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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: know, sight

know somebody/something by sight

to recognize someone or something I've never spoken to him, but I know him by sight.

Usage notes: usually used to suggest that you know what someone looks like but not what type of character someone has

See also: know, sight

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: know, sight