Definition

1. Noun:
   • A sterile liquid solution used for cleansing or soothing the eyes: "Eyewash" primarily refers to a medicinal lotion or saline solution designed to rinse the eyes, often to remove irritants or soothe discomfort.
   • (Informal, figurative) Nonsense, deceptive talk, or flattery: In informal contexts, "eyewash" is used to describe statements that are insincere, exaggerated, meaningless, or intended to deceive or flatter someone.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Literal meaning):
  • The laboratory requires an eyewash station for safety. (A station with a device to rinse the eyes in case of chemical exposure.)
  • She used some eyewash to flush the dust from her eyes.
• Noun (Figurative, informal meaning):
  • His promises about a quick promotion were just eyewash. (His promises were deceptive and insincere.)
  • Don't listen to his flattery; it's all eyewash. (The compliments are not genuine.)

Advanced Usage

• The figurative use of "eyewash" implies that something is presented to obscure the truth or create a false impression, much like how a literal eyewash cleanses the surface but doesn't address deeper issues.
• It is often used in contexts of business, politics, or personal excuses to dismiss something as empty talk or window-dressing.

Variants and Related Words

• Eyewash station (n): A safety apparatus, typically a fountain or bottle, designed for emergency eye rinsing.
• Eye bath (n): A small cup used for applying eyewash or bathing the eye. (This is a related concept but a different term).

Synonyms

• (For the figurative meaning): Nonsense, baloney, hogwash, flattery, deception, window-dressing, claptrap, blarney.

Related Idioms

• While "eyewash" itself is often used idiomatically, there is no common phrasal verb form. The word functions as a standalone noun in expressions.
  • That report is pure eyewash. (The report is entirely deceptive or meaningless.)

Noun

1. lotion consisting of a solution used as a cleanser for the eyes