掌上明珠 apple of the eye
Explanation
比喻受到父母极度疼爱的子女，尤指女儿。
Refers to a child who is deeply loved by their parents, especially a daughter.
Origin Story
从前，有一个富商，膝下只有一位女儿，名叫小莲。小莲自幼聪明伶俐，乖巧可爱，深得父母的宠爱。富商视小莲为掌上明珠，给她最好的衣食住行，让她学习琴棋书画，样样精通。小莲也十分懂事，总是体贴父母，孝顺长辈。然而，一次意外，小莲生病了，病情十分危急。富商夫妇焦急万分，四处求医问药，最终小莲还是离开了人世。富商夫妇悲痛欲绝，从此对小莲的思念之情日益深厚，将小莲生前的一切都珍藏起来，成为了他们心中永远的掌上明珠。
Once upon a time, there was a wealthy merchant with only one daughter, named Xiao Lian. From a young age, Xiao Lian was intelligent, clever, and lovable, deeply cherished by her parents. The merchant treated Xiao Lian as the apple of his eye, providing her with the best in food, clothing, and shelter, and nurturing her skills in calligraphy, painting, music, and chess. Xiao Lian, in turn, was very understanding, always considerate of her parents, and filial to her elders. However, a misfortune struck when Xiao Lian fell gravely ill. Her parents were distraught, desperately seeking medical care, but ultimately, Xiao Lian passed away. The merchant and his wife were heartbroken, their love and affection for Xiao Lian deepening with each passing day. They treasured everything that reminded them of Xiao Lian, holding her memory forever in their hearts as their beloved daughter.
Usage
用作宾语、定语；指儿女
Used as an object or attributive; refers to children.
Examples
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她是父母的掌上明珠，从小娇生惯养。
tā shì fùmǔ de zhǎng shàng míng zhū, cóng xiǎo jiāo shēng guàn yǎng. zhège xiàngmù shì gōngsī de zhǎng shàng míng zhū, gōngsī tóurù le dàliàng zīyuán
She is her parents' apple of the eye, spoiled since childhood.
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这个项目是公司的掌上明珠，公司投入了大量资源。
This project is the company's prized possession, with significant resources invested in it.