apple of discord

American  

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.

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apple of discord British  

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

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apple of discord Cultural  

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.)

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Etymology

Origin of apple of discord

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 • Nov. 7, 2022

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

From The New Yorker • Feb. 17, 2016

Into German politics last week a big red apple of discord was flung by Minister of Labor Adam Stegerwald.

From Time Magazine Archive

The Wall Street Journal published it, thereby casting a golden apple of discord throughout the financial community.

From Time Magazine Archive

It seemed for a time likely to prove the apple of discord, judging from the hungry glances cast at it by a long, lank, thinly-clad old man across the car.

From The American Gentleman's Guide to Politeness and Fashion or, Familiar Letters to his Nephews by Lunettes, Henry