The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 3 plus 6 letter word EYE OPENER
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
E
Y
E
O
P
E
N
E
R
More clues leading to the result EYE OPENER
- Revelation providing an E for the cruciverbalist?
- Trevor Howard helping Celia Johnson in film? Something to surprise us
- Watch the first man to take over — it’s a surprise
- Observe bat in wonder?
- It's a revelation to watch the batsman
- Regard first at the crease as a big surprise?
- Organ key’s quite something
- This person articulated key revelation
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Something to surprise us" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case something to surprise us = eye opener.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does EYE OPENER mean?
EYE OPENER noun- Something that causes the eyes to open, or that opens the eyes.
- Something that provides a sudden insight, or makes something clear that was previously mysterious.
- A startling or shocking revelation.
- A strong alcoholic beverage, especially one consumed in the morning.
- An attractive woman.