eye-opener

See also: eyeopener and eye opener

English

Alternative forms

• eye opener, eyeopener

Etymology

From eye (noun) +‎ opener (noun), from open (verb) +‎ -er.

Pronunciation

• Audio (AU):

  (file)

Noun

eye-opener (plural eye-openers)

1. (literally) Something that causes the eyes to open, or that opens the eyes.
2. (informal) Something that provides a sudden insight, or makes something clear that was previously mysterious.
3. (informal, idiomatic) A startling or shocking revelation.

   A visit to the slaughterhouse was a real eye-opener to anyone who thought they understood where their food came from.

4. (informal, euphemistic) A strong alcoholic beverage, especially one consumed in the morning.

   As soon as I got on the plane I asked the flight attendant for an eye-opener, but all he had to offer was orange juice.

5. (informal) An attractive woman.

Related terms

• eye-opening (adjective)

Translations

revelation

• Danish: øjenåbner c
• Norwegian:

  Bokmål: øyeåpner m

  Nynorsk: augeopnar m

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References

• “eye-opener”, in Lexico, Dictionary.com; Oxford University Press, 2019–2022.