The apple of my eye - and other apples

By Hermione Gray

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THE APPLE is a feature of many phrases and sayings, and has long been mentioned in legends and fables. It is probably most famous for its connection with the Garden of Eden, although it is not mentioned in the Bible in this context. In Genesis 3:3, the actual words are, 'the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden,' and no reference is made to the apple.

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Some apple-flavoured phrases and sayings:

• The apple of my eye - A very old phrase which was mentioned in the Bible. It came about because the pupil was thought to be a solid spherical object, like an apple. The phrase has come to mean any loved or precious person.
• Apple Tree Gang - Back in 1988, John Reid and his Scottish friends first introduced golf to Yonkers in New York. They got their name when, in 1892, they created their third golf course (just six holes) at Yonkers - this time in an orchard.
• Adam's apple - So-called because it was likened to the forbidden fruit sticking in Adam's throat.
• Isle of Apples - This is the traditional interpretation of Avalon, the Island of Blessed Souls from Celtic mythology. In the tales of Arthur, it was named as the final resting place of Arthur.
• Love apple - A simple tomato! Love apple is a literal translation of the French name, pomme d'amour.
• Upset the applecart - This means to spoil carefully laid plans, and is based on the image of a farmer's cart piled high with apples. This phrase has been used since the 18th century.
• Apple-pie bed - A bed made with the sheets folded so that it's impossible to lie down in it (a favourite in tales of girls' boarding schools!). Derived from the French nappe pli�e, meaning folded cloth.