Opens one's eyes to see a water snake uncoiling (7)

I believe the answer is:

awakens

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'opens one's eyes' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'a water snake uncoiling' is the wordplay.
'water' becomes 'w' (this could be a standard abbreviation which I don't know about).
'uncoiling' indicates anagramming the letters (I've seen 'uncoiled' mean this).
'snake' anagrammed gives 'akens'.
'a'+'w'+'akens'='AWAKENS'

'to see' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for awakens that I've seen before include "Arouses" , "Sparks" , "Rouses (from sleep)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

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