apple of the eye

== English == === 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/ Rhymes: -aɪ === Noun === apple of the eye (plural apples of the eye) The pupil, or pupil and iris, of the eye, originally believed to be spherical; also, the eyeball. Synonyms: (historical) apple, eye-apple ==== Related terms ==== apple of someone's eye