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

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

The apple of discord, the arrows of Philoctetes, the invulnerability of Achilles, and similar fancies, are the additions of later poets.

From Project Gutenberg

She would prove an apple of discord; she is too pretty.

From Project Gutenberg