blue-eyed boy
The preferred one
A blue-eyed boy is someone treated as a favorite, especially by an authority figure—the boss's pet, the teacher's darling.
The term is primarily British and often carries a hint of resentment from those not so favored: He's the manager's blue-eyed boy, so he gets all the good assignments.
The phrase may reflect old cultural associations between blue eyes and innocence or trustworthiness.
Family's most favored member
- teacher's petFavored student
- fair-haired boyFavored young protégé
- apple of one's eyeOne's most beloved
- petDomesticated household companion
darling · favorite · chosen one · anointed one · front-runner · heir apparent · pride and joy · shining light
One receiving guidance
- apprenticeLearner bound to employer
- star pupilExceptional learner, often praised
- rising starEmerging person of promise
- prodigyGifted youth with rare talent
whiz kid · understudy · disciple · ward · trainee · highflier · hotshot · wunderkind
golden child
Family's most favored member
- teacher's petFavored student
- fair-haired boyFavored young protégé
- apple of one's eyeOne's most beloved
pet · darling · favorite · chosen one · anointed one · front-runner · heir apparent · pride and joy · shining light · poster child
mentee
One receiving guidance
- apprenticeLearner bound to employer
- star pupilExceptional learner, often praised
- rising starEmerging person of promise
prodigy · whiz kid · understudy · disciple · ward · trainee · highflier · hotshot · wunderkind · up-and-comer
beloved
One who is treasured
adored · cherished · prized · valued · esteemed · coddled · fussed over · spoiled · indulged · petted
blue-eyed boyscapegoat
Unfairly blamed person
whipping boy · fall guy · black sheep · persona non grata · punching bag
blue, blued, bluer, bluest, blueness, bluish, blues, bluing, eyed