eye-opener

noun

Etymology: Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *h₃ekʷ-der. Proto-Germanic *augô Proto-West Germanic *augā Old English ēage Middle English eye English eye English opener English eye-opener From eye + opener.

1. Something that causes the eyes to open, or that opens the eyes.
2. Something that provides a sudden insight, or makes something clear that was previously mysterious.
3. 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.”

   “That was a very big eye-opener for me, after being very cocooned, living most of my life in the city where I was born and raised.”

4. 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. An attractive woman.

   “Near-synonym: eye candy”

   “Seems appropriate that Ann Miller should be in Columbia's "Reveille With Beverly." We've never seen anyone capable of "showing a leg" more attractively. At close range, too, she's an eye-opener.”