Apple of one's eye
Meaning
A person or thing that someone cherishes above all others and holds very dear.
Origin
In ancient times, the "apple" of the eye referred to the pupil, the dark, central part through which we see. It was considered the most precious and vulnerable part of the eye, essential for vision. To protect it was paramount. This understanding gave rise to the phrase, notably appearing in the Old Testament, where God describes Israel as "the apple of his eye," signifying profound love and protection. The idiom thus came to represent someone or something cherished above all else, guarded as carefully as one's own sight.
Examples
- My youngest daughter, with her bright smile and adventurous spirit, is truly the apple of my eye.
- Ever since adopting the stray cat, the fluffy feline became the apple of his eye, pampered with the best food and endless cuddles.