Crossword Genius

One bringing out lamps for ship's watch? Au contraire! (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

eyeliner

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'one bringing out lamps' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.

'ship's watch? au contraire' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'watch?' could be 'eye' (eye can mean to watch or look at) and 'eye' is present in the answer.
'ship' could be 'liner' (liner is a kind of ship) and 'liner' is located in the answer.
No letters remain.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'for' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for eyeliner that I've seen before include "highlight for look-out" , "kind of cosmetic" , "instrument for enhancing lamps" , "Type of make-up" , "it draws attention to the viewer" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app