apple of discord

noun

, Classical Mythology.

1. a golden apple inscribed “For the fairest,” thrown by Eris, goddess of discord, among the gods. Its award by Paris to Aphrodite caused events that led to the Trojan War.

apple of discord

noun

1. Greek myth a golden apple inscribed "For the fairest" It was claimed by Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite, to whom Paris awarded it, thus beginning a chain of events that led to the Trojan War

apple of discord

1. In classical mythology , an apple of gold thrown into a banquet of the gods and goddesses by the goddess Discord, who had not been invited. The apple had “For the Fairest” written on it. When three goddesses claimed it, the choice among them was referred to the handsome Paris , prince of Troy . ( See Judgment of Paris .)

Word History and Origins

Origin of apple of discord¹

First recorded in 1640–50

Example Sentences

The apple of discord is Helen’s house, now rented, set on an acre abutting a state nature reserve.

From Washington Post

“Forgive me the words, St. John; but it is your own fault that I have been roused to speak so unguardedly. You have introduced a topic on which our natures are at variance—a topic we should never discuss: the very name of love is an apple of discord between us. If the reality were required, what should we do? How should we feel? My dear cousin, abandon your scheme of marriage—forget it.”

From Literature

Children separated from their families at the U.S.-Mexico border is another apple of discord on the American conscience.

From Fox News

Sixty years after his death, the bishop has once again become an apple of discord.

From Economist

But Poindexter had thrown a feather-stuffed apple of discord into the Scalia story.

From The New Yorker