apple of the eye

Etymology

From Middle English appel of the eyȝe, appel of þe ye, perhaps dissimilated from Middle English ij appel (literally “eye-apple”). More at eye-apple.

Pronunciation

• (US) IPA^(key): /ˈæp.əl.əv.ðiˈaɪ/

• Audio (US):

  (file)

• Rhymes: -aɪ

Noun

apple of the eye (plural apples of the eye)

1. The pupil, or pupil and iris, of the eye, originally believed to be spherical; also, the eyeball.

   Synonyms: (historical) apple, eye-apple