English idiom

the apple of one's eye

Register · Neutral CEFR B2

Post

Figurative meaning

a person or thing that someone loves and treasures above all others

Why this phrase?

The cherished person is pictured as the precious central object of one's gaze and attention.

Example

“The flagship feature is the apple of the founder's eye.”

Dictionary details

Alternate forms

the apple of someone's eye

Component words

apple eye

Tags

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

catch someone's eye

to draw someone's notice or interest

give someone the eye

to signal romantic or sexual attraction through deliberate glances

have an eye for

be naturally skilled at noticing or judging a particular quality

pull the wool over someone's eyes

to deceive someone

break someone's heart

To make someone feel deep emotional pain, often by ending a relationship.

bang for your buck

the value or impact you get for the money or effort spent

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

External links

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