eye-opener

eye-opener
   an intoxicant or stimulant taken on waking
   Punning on the meaning, a surprise:
    A morning eye-opener (brandy, Scotch or whatever) would be also provided. (Sanders, 1980)
   The usage seems to have originated with British troops in France during the First World War, especially, albeit surprisingly, among airmen. Now generally used by people addicted to alcohol or drugs who need topping up before they can face another day.

How not to say what you mean: A dictionary of euphemisms. . 2014.

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  • eye-opener — eye openers N COUNT: usu sing, usu a N If you describe something as an eye opener, you mean that it surprises you and that you learn something new from it. [INFORMAL] This summer s tour was an eye opener for her. For the first time ever, the… …   English dictionary

  • eye opener — n. 1. That which makes the eyes open, as startling news or occurrence; something which causes one to suddenly understand what was not previously known. [1913 Webster] 2. A drink of liquor, especially the first one in the morning. [U. S. Slang]… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • eye-opener — eye .opener n [C usually singular] an experience from which you learn something surprising or new ▪ The whole trip has been a real eye opener …   Dictionary of contemporary English

  • eye-opener — ☆ eye opener [ī′ō΄pə nər ] n. 1. a surprising piece of news, sudden realization, etc. 2. Informal an alcoholic drink, esp. one taken early in the day eye opening adj. * * * …   Universalium

  • eye opener — eye ,opener noun count usually singular 1. ) a situation that shows you things you did not know before 2. ) an alcoholic drink taken in the morning to wake up ╾ eye ,opening adjective …   Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

  • eye-opener — ☆ eye opener [ī′ō΄pə nər ] n. 1. a surprising piece of news, sudden realization, etc. 2. Informal an alcoholic drink, esp. one taken early in the day eye opening adj …   English World dictionary

  • eye opener — index bombshell Burton s Legal Thesaurus. William C. Burton. 2006 …   Law dictionary

  • eye-opener — Something surprising, unexpected which reveals the truth about something or someone …   The small dictionary of idiomes

  • eye-opener — ► NOUN informal ▪ an unexpected revelation …   English terms dictionary

  • eye-opener — 1. n. a real surprise. □ Her confession was a real eye opener. □ This day has been an eye opener for me. 2. n. a wake up drink of liquor; a strong drink any time. □ He knocked back a quick eye opener and finished dressing …   Dictionary of American slang and colloquial expressions

  • eye-opener — UK / US noun [countable] Word forms eye opener : singular eye opener plural eye openers a situation that shows you something surprising that you did not know before Visiting people in prison was a real eye opener for me. Derived word: eye opening …   English dictionary

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