see the light

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see the light (third-person singular simple present sees the light, present participle seeing the light, simple past saw the light, past participle seen the light) (intransitive)

1. (idiomatic, religious) To undergo a spiritual conversion.

   Once I was lost in darkness, but now I have seen the light.

   • 1948, Hank Williams, I Saw the Light, from Randal Myler, Hank Williams, Mark Harelik, Hank Williams: The Music and Legend of Hank Williams, page 59

     I wandered so aimless, life filled with sin

     I wouldn't let my Dear Saviour in

     Then Jesus came like a stranger in the night

     Praise the Lord. I saw the light.

2. (idiomatic) To gain an understanding of something previously not understood, especially in a sudden insight.

   Finally, near the end of the meeting, John saw the light and withdrew his objections.

3. (idiomatic) To come into the world or to public notice.

   His book never saw the light.

   Synonym: see the light of day

• For other uses of see the light, see light

• dawn on
• see daylight
• see the light of day
• error of one's ways