the apple of my eye

Origin

Imagine a time when the pupil of the eye, that dark, central part, was believed to be a solid, round object, much like a tiny apple. It was understood to be exquisitely delicate and utterly vital for sight—a truly precious thing to be guarded above all else. This ancient understanding of the eye's most critical component gave birth to the phrase. You can find its earliest whispers in the Old Testament, where God is described as guarding His people as 'the apple of His eye.' Later, it graced Anglo-Saxon texts, emphasizing someone or something held in the highest regard, cherished as dearly and as carefully as one's own vision.