Don't have such a ripping time if you want to be dry-eyed (8)

I believe the answer is:

tearless

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'be dry-eyed' is the definition.
(synonyms)

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

(Other definitions for tearless that I've seen before include "betraying no emotion" , "Dry" , "without displaying sorrow" , "stiff upper lip" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish News.

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