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