eyewash

English

Etymology

eye +‎ wash

Noun

eyewash (usually uncountable; plural eyewashes)

1. (countable, uncountable) A soothing medicated lotion for the eyes
2. (uncountable, slang) nonsense; flattery; pretentiousness.
3. (uncountable, slang) A means of creating a deceptively favourable impression of something or someone; something for appearance only.
   • 1960, P. G. Wodehouse, Jeeves in the Offing, chapter XI

     Talking of being eaten by dogs, there's a dachshund at Brinkley who when you first meet him will give you the impression that he plans to convert you into a light snack between his regular meals. Pay no attention. It's all eyewash. [...] He wouldn't hurt a fly, but he has to put up a front because his name's Poppet. One can readily appreciate that when a dog hears himself addressed day in and day out as Poppet, he feels he must throw his weight about. His self-respect demands it.

Synonyms

• (slang): window dressing

See also

• eyebath