A2Informal

Etwas wie seinen Augapfel hüten

To guard something like the apple of one's eye; to protect something very carefully

In German

Etwas wie seinen Augapfel hüten

ˈɛtvas viː ˈzaɪ̯nən ˈaʊ̯ɡˌapfl̩ ˈhyːtn̩

Literal Translation

To guard something like one's eyeball

Meaning

To guard something like the apple of one's eye; to protect something very carefully

Equivalent:"To guard something like the apple of one's eye"

Origin:The idiom emphasizes the extreme value and fragility of the eye, making it a powerful metaphor for anything that needs to be protected with utmost care.

Example Sentences

1
Sie hütet ihre alte Geige wie ihren Augapfel.
She guards her old violin like the apple of her eye.
2
Dieses Geheimnis müssen wir wie unseren Augapfel hüten.
We must guard this secret like the apple of our eye.

FAQ

How do you say "To guard something like the apple of one's eye; to protect something very carefully" in German?

"To guard something like the apple of one's eye; to protect something very carefully" in German is "Etwas wie seinen Augapfel hüten" (ˈɛtvas viː ˈzaɪ̯nən ˈaʊ̯ɡˌapfl̩ ˈhyːtn̩). Example: Sie hütet ihre alte Geige wie ihren Augapfel..

To say something indirectly and tactfully instead of stating it openly; to hint at it

Etwas durch die Blume sagen

ET-vas durkh dee BLOO-meh ZAH-gen

To speak in private; to have a private conversation

Unter vier Augen sprechen

ˈʊntɐ fiːɐ̯ ˈaʊ̯ɡn̩ ˈʃpʁɛçn̩

To annoy or irritate someone

Jemandem auf die Nerven gehen

Ye-man-dem auf dee Ner-fen geh-en

To jump in at the deep end; to face a new challenge without preparation

Ins kalte Wasser springen

ɪns ˈkaltə ˈvasɐ ˈʃpʁɪŋən