twinkle in one's daddy's eye

From a song, "When You Were a Smile on Your Mother's Lips (and a Twinkle in Your Daddy's Eye)", written for the 1934 film, Dames; derived from the presumption that prior to the conception of a baby, the father was sexually aroused, and this arousal was reflected in a pleased look in the father's eyes.

a twinkle in one's daddy's eye

1. Of a person, not yet conceived, particularly when referring to a time period preceding their conception.
   • 2016, Mackenzie Crowne, To Win Her Heart, page 51:

     Kid, I've been running fight outfits since long before you were a twinkle in your daddy's eye.

   • 1994, Suzanne Elizabeth, Kiley's Storm, page 144:

     Bean Toomey was upholding the law when you were still just a twinkle in your daddy's eye.

   • 1977, Paul Bailey, Peter Smart's Confessions, page 96:

     The Great Wilkie and Little Win were the biggest draw on the halls when you were not so much as a twinkle in your daddy's eye.

• glint in the milkman's eye
• twinkle in one's father's eye