light of one's eye

Noun

light of one's eye (plural lights of one's eye)

1. (figuratively) Someone beloved to the speaker, such as their life partner or offspring.
   • Mohammad Reza was his father's love — the light of his eye, as the Persian saying goes.2009, Gholam Reza Afkhami, The Life and Times of the Shah, page 24
   • Simeti, the bright light of his eye, had perished in the fire and smoke and thunder. And bitterest of all was that he, Songiterr, had sent him to his dreadful, fiery doom.2010, David Luders, Cataclysm, page 91
2. (figuratively) The way in which one's eyes sparkle with joy and life.
   • We look'd for the youth of the sunny glance, Whose step was the fleetest in the chase or dance! The light of his eye was a joy to see,1828, Mrs. Hemans, The Poetical Works of Mrs. Felicia Hemans - Volume 2, page 44
   • The regularity of his features, and the light of his eye, presented a countenance worthy of the chisel of Praxitiles.1834, William Leete Stone, Tales and Sketches: Such as They are, page 68