Meaning of eye-watering | Babel Free

Definitions

1. Having an odour, vapours or smoke which causes irritation to the eyes.
2. Having an extremely bad odour.
   figuratively
3. So expensive that (figuratively) it would make one's eyes water.
   figuratively
4. Of a shocking or surprising nature.
   figuratively

Examples

“Toyota is developing a hydrogen fuel cell car, but the research and development costs are eye-watering. By contrast, a British firm, Riversimple, is producing a cheap, compact two-seater, which will probably come to dominate the small car market, particularly for drivers who cannot plug in a car at home.”

“Both residents and drivers know that the cost of the current proposals to improve the A628 from Mottram all the way to the Flouch Inn has already reached eye-watering billions.”

“With food prices at a record high, inflation at its highest in three decades, fuel prices topping $3 a litre and eye-watering housing costs, Labour has been paying for it in the polls.”

““That means decisions of eye-watering difficulty,” he said. “Every single one of those decisions – whether reductions in spending or increases in tax – will be shaped through core, compassionate Conservative values that will prioritise the needs of the most vulnerable.””

CEFR level