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.

   Synonym: see the light of day

   Never had his book seen the light …until now.

• For other uses of see the light, see light

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