eye opener
1
7.2
- noun
- /ˈaɪ ˌoʊpənər/
- Informal
:
trago matutino
- Thanks for that eye opener!
Examples
-
Many people enjoy a strong coffee as an eye opener to start their day, but some prefer a shot of whiskey.
-
He believes that a glass of champagne serves as a perfect eye opener to lift his spirits in the morning.
-
It's an eye opener.
Blog text (4) -
On special occasions, I like to have a bloody Mary as an eye opener before brunch with friends.
Synonyms
4
4.2
Something that gives you a short burst of energy
How Strong
Surface Forms
Morphology
eye + opener
The compound 'eye opener' can be parsed as something that 'opens the eyes' — i.e. awakens, stimulates, or surprises — so there is a clear metaphorical link to revival or stimulation. However, the specific conventionalized use to mean an early alcoholic drink (or more generally a stimulant) is lexicalized and requires pragmatic or cultural knowledge, so a B1 learner who only knows the constituent words may infer a related sense but not reliably the exact drink sense without exposure.
Etymology
The phrase eye opener was also used for a small alcoholic drink taken in the morning because people thought it would open the eye and help you wake up. So an eye opener can mean 'an alcoholic drink taken early to help you feel awake'.