Language
Fact-checked

At LanguageHumanities, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What Does "Apple of Your Eye" Mean?

Geri Terzo
Geri Terzo

There are many idioms that make up the English language that are used to express a sentiment or point of view in a unique way. The term "apple of your eye" is one such phrase, and it is used to identify something or someone who is highly valuable to the speaker or writer. In addition to being used as a metaphor, this idiom also has a literal meaning. It can refer to the opening in the middle of an individual's eye, or the pupil.

This widely used idiom has its roots in Old English, an early form of the English language used in parts of England for hundreds of years leading up to the 12th century. Old English was used primarily by the Anglo-Saxon population. This language had many influences but is considered a West Germanic dialect with words from several different languages.

Green, red, and yellow apples.
Green, red, and yellow apples.

"Apple of your eye" refers to someone who is held dear. The connotation is toward someone precious because, in its earliest form, the term was very literal. It referred to pupil, and as eyesight was deemed precious, the phrase had the merits of an idiom. The term made its way into some of the earliest literary writings from the likes of King Alfred the Great in the late ninth century, although it is unclear who the originator of the phrase is. William Shakespeare also incorporated the use of this phrase into his works in the 16th century.

In a literal sense, the term "apple of your eye" refers to the pupil.
In a literal sense, the term "apple of your eye" refers to the pupil.

The term "apple of your eye" is also a biblical scripture that can be found in the Old Testament. In the book of Psalm in chapter 17, verse eight, in the New International Version (NIV), the Bible says, "Keep me as the apple of your eye. Hide me in the shadow of your wings." This scripture is a plea to the Lord to remember His child. The scripture suggests that the author of the scripture, David, is dear and precious to God.

“He kept him as the apple of His eye," is a verse authored by Moses that refers to God's love for His people.
“He kept him as the apple of His eye," is a verse authored by Moses that refers to God's love for His people.

Other biblical uses of the term "apple of your eye" can be found in the book of Deuteronomy in chapter 32, verse 10, which reads, "He found him in a desert land and in the wasteland, a howling wilderness; He encircled him, He instructed him, He kept him as the apple of His eye." This verse is authored by Moses and refers to God's love for His people. Also, in the book of Zechariah in chapter two, verse eight, the author says, "For he who touches you touches the apple of His eye."

Discussion Comments

ddljohn

Is his metaphor really as old as the Bible?! I thought it was far more recent than that. And according to this article, it's a metaphor that is referred to more than once in the Bible, which sort of means that it was very well known by the people it was directed to. So people who lived during Biblical times were very familiar with "apple of your eye" and used it all the time.

The fact that it's in the Bible is probably one of the reasons why the metaphor is still in use today. It might have fallen out of favor if it had not been in the Bible. And of course, its use in significant literature like that of Shakespeare must have helped too.

I love learning about the origins of various phrases. It's fun to know this trivia and remember it when someone around me uses it.

turquoise

@stoneMason-- I learned recently too, from my teacher. It makes sense though doesn't it? The pupil does sort of look the "the apple of the eye."

My apple of my eye is my cat whom I love and care for a lot. I basically do anything she wants, I buy her lots of treats and take her outside every day. She's a very happy cat and she knows my love for her. That's why she's spoiled and will act sad or roll around on the floor if she doesn't get what she wants.

stoneMason

I had no idea that "apple of your eye" had a literal meaning and that it refers to the pupil. I've always known this phrase by its metaphorical meaning. It's interesting how the metaphor has become more commonly used and better known then the literal meaning of the phrase. I'm glad I learned it though and the origins. It's very interesting.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Green, red, and yellow apples.
      By: tesgro
      Green, red, and yellow apples.
    • In a literal sense, the term "apple of your eye" refers to the pupil.
      By: Péter Mács
      In a literal sense, the term "apple of your eye" refers to the pupil.
    • “He kept him as the apple of His eye," is a verse authored by Moses that refers to God's love for His people.
      By: nickolae
      “He kept him as the apple of His eye," is a verse authored by Moses that refers to God's love for His people.
    • William Shakespeare used this phrase in his works created in the 16th century.
      By: Georgios Kollidas
      William Shakespeare used this phrase in his works created in the 16th century.