Signification
To guard something very carefully.
Contexte culturel
The phrase is often linked to the 'Knygnešiai' (Book Smugglers). During the 19th century, when the Lithuanian press was banned by the Russian Empire, people risked their lives to smuggle books. They guarded these books 'kaip akį' because they represented the survival of the nation. In ancient Baltic beliefs, the eye was seen as a window to the soul. Guarding the eye was synonymous with guarding one's spiritual essence and life force. Today, the phrase is frequently used in environmental campaigns. Lithuania is proud of its forests and clean water, and activists often say we must guard them 'kaip akį'. While the phrase exists in many European cultures due to Biblical influence (Psalm 17:8), Lithuanians use it more frequently in daily speech than many Western Europeans, who might prefer more modern metaphors.
Use it for lending
This is the most natural way to use the phrase. If you lend a book, a car, or a tool, say 'Saugok kaip akį' to show it's important to you.
Don't pluralize
Even though we have two eyes, the idiom always uses the singular 'akį'. Saying 'kaip akis' sounds like a mistake.
Signification
To guard something very carefully.
Use it for lending
This is the most natural way to use the phrase. If you lend a book, a car, or a tool, say 'Saugok kaip akį' to show it's important to you.
Don't pluralize
Even though we have two eyes, the idiom always uses the singular 'akį'. Saying 'kaip akis' sounds like a mistake.
Add 'savo' for fluency
Saying 'Saugok kaip savo akį' (like your own eye) makes you sound much more like a native speaker.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to complete the idiom.
Saugok šitą paslaptį kaip ____.
The idiom is 'saugoti kaip akį'. 'Ausį' (ear), 'ranką' (hand), and 'nosį' (nose) are not used in this phrase.
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly to describe protecting a valuable object?
Select the correct sentence:
The verb must be 'saugoti' (to guard).
Match the Lithuanian phrase with its English meaning.
Match the following:
Each phrase uses 'akis' (eye) but has a different idiomatic meaning.
Complete the dialogue with the correct form of the idiom.
Mama: 'Saugok brolį parke!' Duktė: 'Gerai, mama, saugosiu jį ____.'
The idiom always uses the accusative singular 'akį'.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesSaugok šitą paslaptį kaip ____.
The idiom is 'saugoti kaip akį'. 'Ausį' (ear), 'ranką' (hand), and 'nosį' (nose) are not used in this phrase.
Select the correct sentence:
The verb must be 'saugoti' (to guard).
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
Each phrase uses 'akis' (eye) but has a different idiomatic meaning.
Mama: 'Saugok brolį parke!' Duktė: 'Gerai, mama, saugosiu jį ____.'
The idiom always uses the accusative singular 'akį'.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
5 questionsNot at all! While it is an old idiom, it is used daily by people of all ages in Lithuania.
Yes, you can say 'Saugok vaiką kaip akį' (Guard the child like an eye). It's very common for parents.
'Akies vyzdį' (pupil of the eye) is more formal and poetic. 'Akį' is the standard version for conversation.
It can also mean 'to save' or 'to protect'. In this idiom, it specifically means 'to protect with care'.
Yes, if you are talking about protecting a partnership or a very important project, it adds a nice personal touch.
Expressions liées
Saugoti kaip savo akį
similarTo guard like one's own eye.
Branginti kaip akį
similarTo value/cherish like an eye.
Akis į akį
contrastFace to face.
Akių dūmimas
contrastDeception (blowing smoke in eyes).
