apple of his eye

Also found in: Idioms.

apple of his eye

- Results from the fact that the pupil of the eye was called the "apple" in earlier English because it was thought to be a solid sphere.

See also related terms for pupil.

Mentioned in ?

References in classic literature ?

The men made Maggie fear, but she blushed at Pete's words as it became apparent to her that she was the apple of his eye.

View in context

Literally, I was (what he often called me) the apple of his eye. He saw nature--he saw books through me; and never did I weary of gazing for his behalf, and of putting into words the effect of field, tree, town, river, cloud, sunbeam--of the landscape before us; of the weather round us--and impressing by sound on his ear what light could no longer stamp on his eye.

View in context

He groped along as stealthily, with as cautious a tread, and as wary an outlook, as a thief entering a chamber where a man lies only half asleep -- or, it may be, broad awake -- with purpose to steal the very treasure which this man guards as the apple of his eye. In spite of his premeditated carefulness, the floor would now and then creak; his garments would rustle; the shadow of his presence, in a forbidden proximity, would be thrown across his victim.

View in context

Mr Merdle intimated that Society was the apple of his eye, and that its claims were paramount to every other consideration.

View in context

The owner of the axe, as he released his hold on it, said that it was the apple of his eye; but I returned it sharper than I received it.

View in context

The story is about a guy hesitant in revealing his feelings as he waits for the perfect time to confess to the only apple of his eye.

Maymay, Edward release solo songs

And while the club is far from the apple of his eye, the retired midfielder reckons the Hoops are serious title contenders this year.

HOOPS HAVE REAL HOPE THIS YEAR

Guillermo's greatest joys in life were spending time with family and raising his pit bull dogs, who were the apple of his eye. Memorial visitation will be held Saturday, February 23, 2019 from 12:00-4:00 p.m.

COLLAZO

As Toni realizes she still has feelings for her ex, Alex gets in the way telling he is now the apple of his eye. Will Mary Anne walk down the aisle with the man of her dreams?

WATCH: Toni, Alex Gonzaga fight over who'll be Sam Milby's bride in 'Mary, Marry Me'

He was also a marvellously good writer, giving the language many memorable phrases such as "the apple of his eye" and "go the extra mile".

Translation of a translation

COX IS APPLE OF HIS EYE: Courteney shows her sleek shape while on holiday with Johnny

Courteney is nifty at fifty; EXCLUSIVE

However, their recent breakup also brought hope to not just bachelors out there but also for other single ladies who have always dreamed of becoming the actor's new apple of his eye.