Definition

Adjective: - Having eyes that are very large, round, and wide open, often due to surprise, fear, awe, or excitement. The term compares the appearance of the eyes to the shape of a saucer (a small, round dish).

Usage

The adjective "saucer-eyed" is used to describe a person's or sometimes an animal's facial expression. It emphasizes an extreme, fixed state of wide-eyed astonishment or alarm. It typically precedes the noun it modifies. - It is often used in literary or descriptive contexts to vividly portray a character's reaction.

Examples

• The saucer-eyed children stared in wonder at the magician's tricks.
• She was saucer-eyed with terror when she heard the strange noise in the dark.
• He listened to the incredible story, becoming increasingly saucer-eyed.

Advanced Usage

• The term can imply a prolonged state of astonishment, not just a momentary glance. It suggests the eyes are so wide they seem unnatural or exaggerated, like saucers.
• It is frequently found in similes for added emphasis:

Variants and Related Words

• Wide-eyed (adj): Having the eyes wide open, especially with wonder or innocence. (This is a more common and less exaggerated synonym.)
• Round-eyed (adj): Having round eyes; can imply surprise or simplicity.

Synonyms

• Wide-eyed
• Goggle-eyed
• Pop-eyed
• Agape (when describing a look of open-mouthed astonishment that often accompanies wide eyes)

Antonyms

• Squinting
• Narrow-eyed
• Droopy-eyed

Idioms and Related Phrases

• Eyes like saucers: An idiomatic phrase with the same meaning as "saucer-eyed."
  • The puppy looked at the treat with eyes like saucers.
• To have one's eyes pop out of one's head: A more informal and hyperbolic idiom for extreme surprise.

Adjective

1. having large round wide-open eyes