ˈæpəl əv maɪ aɪ
Relationships
neutral
beginner
- Literally:
- The pupil of one's eye
What does "apple of my eye" mean?
- A person or thing that one is extremely fond of and proud of
- Someone who is cherished above all others
Examples
- His youngest daughter is the apple of his eye.
- That car is the apple of his eye—he spends hours polishing it.
- She's always been the apple of her grandfather's eye.
Origin
Biblical origin, appearing in Deuteronomy 32:10 and Psalm 17:8. The 'apple' originally referred to the pupil of the eye, considered precious because of its importance to sight. Shakespeare used it in 'A Midsummer Night's Dream.'
How to use it
Typically used to describe children or grandchildren, but can apply to anything someone treasures. Always positive and affectionate.
Similar expressions
pride and joy
favorite
beloved
treasure
Opposites
black sheep
Related idioms
- break the ice
To initiate conversation in an awkward social situation
- see eye to eye
To agree with someone completely
- head over heels
Completely and deeply in love
- pull someone's leg
To tease or joke with someone
- cut someone some slack
To be less strict or demanding with someone
- tie the knot
To get married
Use it in a practice answer
Try "apple of my eye" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.