Etymology From eye + wash. Compare typologically Russian глаз замы́лился (glaz zamýlilsja) (akin to мы́ло (mýlo), мыть (mytʹ)).
1
Usually The washing out of the eyes with copious solution (usually water alone) to quickly remove an irritant, as for example in laboratories and industrial plants; the washing solution itself.
an eyewash station on every floor of the building
a bottle of eyewash
2
Usually A soothing medicated lotion for the eyes.
3
Figuratively, Slang, Usually Camouflage; disguise; false front; pretense; nonsense.
Near-synonyms: whitewash, window dressing
They argued over the menu. The fish was described as being 'Made From Flaky Tender Boneless Filets and the chicken as 'Delicious French Fried to a Golden Brown, Served Disjointed'. 'Eyewash,' said Bond, and they finally ordered scrambled eggs and bacon and sausages, a salad, and some of the domestic Camembert that is one of the most welcome surprises on American menus.1954, Ian Fleming, “Allumeuse”, in Live and Let Die, London: Pan Books, published 1957, page 107:
1 more example
Talking of being eaten by dogs, there's a dachshund at Brinkley who when you first meet him will give you the impression that he plans to convert you into a light snack between his regular meals. Pay no attention. It's all eyewash. […] He wouldn't hurt a fly, but he has to put up a front because his name's Poppet. One can readily appreciate that when a dog hears himself addressed day in and day out as Poppet, he feels he must throw his weight about. His self-respect demands it.1960, P. G. Wodehouse, chapter XI, in Jeeves in the Offing:
Etymology From eye + wash. Compare typologically Russian глаз замы́лился (glaz zamýlilsja) (akin to мы́ло (mýlo), мыть (mytʹ)).
1
To fool with nonsense or flattery.
2
To keep information secret by sending false information to many people in one's own organization, and correct information to a select few.
But others said that eyewashing was a standard security practice that had been in existence for decades.2016 January 31, “‘Eyewash’: How the CIA deceives its own workforce about operations”, in The New York Times: