see the light

Verb

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)

1. (idiomatic, intransitive, religious) To undergo a spiritual conversion.
   • Once I was lost in darkness, but now I have seen the light.
   • 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.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
2. (idiomatic, intransitive) 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, intransitive) To come into the world or to public notice.
   • Never had his book seen the light …until now.