The expression “apple of my eye” is a linguistic marker of something cherished with the greatest regard. Sons and daughters are often the apples of their parents’ eyes. Sweethearts, too, may use this fond phrase. The phrase is an ancient one, appearing in print as early as A.D. 885. It reflects the ancient belief that the eye’s pupil was not just circular but spherical, like any type of round fruit…say, an apple. The pupil, or “apple” of the eye, the essential seat of vision, is precious and fragile and must be cherished and protected. We shield our faces and close our eyes when physically threatened, reflexively guarding our vision. So, whoever is as precious to us our eyesight is metaphorically the apple of our eye.
Something You Know
Because teachers are precious to us, the Hospitality Committee wants to remind our teachers with some tasty and timely reminders that you are “something cherished with the greatest regard.”