- The person someone cherishes above all others; someone who is dearly loved and treasured.
Explanation
Origin
- This is an ancient phrase, appearing in the Old Testament of the Bible (e.g., Deuteronomy 32:10, Psalms 17:8).
- It originally referred literally to the pupil of the eye, considered critically important and precious because it's essential for sight. The pupil was thought to be apple-shaped or simply a solid object like a small apple.
- Protecting the apple of your eye meant protecting something extremely valuable and vulnerable.
- The meaning evolved metaphorically to represent someone held equally dear and precious.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- My number one
- My everything
- Main squeeze (Romantic partner, informal/slang)
- Boo / Bae (Romantic partner, modern slang)
More Formal / Literary:
- Dearest one
- Beloved
- Treasured one
Situational Appropriateness
- Informal and personal.
- Used to express deep affection, often for children, grandchildren, or romantic partners. Sounds quite sentimental.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Purely metaphorical. Learners should understand it means most cherished person, not anything literal about eyes or apples.
Examples
- His youngest daughter is the apple of his eye.
- She dotes on her grandson; he's the apple of her eye.
- You've always been the apple of my eye. (Said to a loved one)
Dialogue
Grandma: Look at this drawing little Timmy made for me!
Friend: It's adorable! He's really the apple of your eye, isn't he?
Grandma: Oh, absolutely. He just lights up my world.
Social Media Examples
- Instagram Post (Photo of a child): My little sunshine, the apple of my eye. ❤️ #familylove #daughter #proudparent
- Facebook Post: Happy anniversary to my wonderful husband, still the apple of my eye after all these years!
- Tweet: Watching my grandpa play with his great-granddaughter. She's definitely the apple of his eye. So heartwarming. #family
Response Patterns
- If said *to* someone: Aw, thank you., That's so sweet., A warm smile or blush.
- If said *about* someone: That's lovely., He/She certainly seems to adore them., I can see why.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
- Expressing affection in return.
- Discussing the cherished person and the relationship.
- Sharing anecdotes that demonstrate the affection.
Conversation Starter
- No. Typically used to describe a strong affectionate relationship, not to start a conversation from scratch.
Intonation
- Emphasis on APPLE and EYE.
- Spoken with affection, tenderness, and warmth.
Generation Differences
- Understood by all generations, but might sound slightly old-fashioned or overly sentimental to some younger people. Still commonly used, especially by older generations.
Regional Variations
- Common in all major English-speaking regions.