Phrases & IdiomsIdiom guide
Apple of My Eye
“The apple of someone’s eye” refers to a deeply loved or cherished person. Cambridge labels the idiom old-fashioned, so the guide explains the meaning without presenting it as neutral modern wording in every context.
If someone is “the apple of your eye,” they are a person you love very much and are especially proud of.
Key details
Canonical Formthe apple of someone's eye
Core Meaninga person someone loves very much and is especially proud of
Further guidance
Current Meaning
a person someone loves very much and is especially proud of
History Boundary
This guide establishes present-day form and meaning and does not assert an exact inventor, coinage, or first printed use.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- The apple of someone’s eye — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Current idiom meaning and old-fashioned usage label