Be the apple of someone's eye 🍎👁️
Meaning
To be cherished and adored above all others by someone.
Origin
This phrase likely stems from ancient beliefs about the eye itself. The pupil, that dark central circle, was thought to be a solid, precious object, like a tiny apple, reflecting the world and the person's very essence. Because the pupil is so vital for sight and so central to our gaze, it became a metaphor for something or someone incredibly precious and cherished. The idea of an 'apple' symbolizing something highly valued continued through various cultures, but this specific phrasing took root in English, representing the most treasured person in someone's life.
Be the apple of someone's eye represented with emoji🍎👁️
This playful arrangement of an apple and an eye functions as a delightful visual pun, not just presenting an image but breathing life into a cherished idiom. It underscores the whimsical nature of language, inviting viewers to playfully decipher the connections between simple symbols and profound human emotions. Observe how the juxtaposition of the fruit and the organ of sight evokes a sense of deep affection and treasured status.
Examples
- Ever since she was born, she's been the apple of her father's eye.
- He was always the apple of his grandmother's eye, receiving special treats and attention.
- The little kitten, with its wide, curious gaze, was clearly the apple of the old wizard's eye.
- That one teacup, chipped but cherished, was the apple of the antique collector's eye among all his treasures.
Frequently asked questions
The phrase 'be the apple of someone's eye' is an idiom. Idioms are phrases where the meaning cannot be deduced from the literal meanings of the words, much like this one where an 'apple' doesn't literally refer to fruit.
There isn't one single, universally agreed-upon opposite for 'be the apple of someone's eye,' but phrases like 'be the bane of someone's existence' or 'be someone's worst nightmare' convey a strong negative sentiment. These imply being a source of great trouble or dislike, rather than cherished affection.
While Shakespeare popularized 'be the apple of someone's eye' in his play Measure for Measure, he did not invent it. The idiom has roots in much older beliefs about the eye and its central, precious pupil.
Yes, absolutely. The phrase 'be the apple of someone's eye' refers to someone or something that is cherished above all others, and this can certainly apply to a beloved pet. Its meaning focuses on the depth of affection, not exclusively on human relationships.