Idiom – Apple Of Discord

Apple of discord – Idiom of the Day

Meaning:

A subject matter that causes disagreement.

History:

History dates back to the mid sixteenth century, roughly from 1640 to 50s. It has its roots in the Greek mythology which says Eris, The Greek Goddess of Discord was not invited for a banquet at the wedding of Peleus and Thetis. So she threw a golden apple into the feast. Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite fought for it and the subsequent events led to the Trojan war. 

Idiom scenarios:

Scenario 1:

Brother 1: Aren’t we supposed to give a fair share of the property to our sister as well.

Brother 2: There’s no need for it. 

Brother 1: She may file a case in the court if we don’t divide it equally among the three of us. 

Brother 2: I know it is going to become an apple of discord.

Scenario 2:

Queen 1: I think my son is the legal heir to the throne.

Minister : I’m sure Queen Elizabeth will compete for it too. She is influential.

Queen 1: I’m sure this is going to be an apple of discord. 

Scenario 3:

Brother ( looking at the expensive car toy) : It’s my toy

Sister: No it’s mine.

Worried mother talks to father: I think this toy is always an apple of discord.

Examples:

Go through the examples  to understand the usage of the idiom:

1. The border issue has long been an apple of discord among the two countries. 

2.The dead mother’s diamond jewellery became an apple of discord among her  children. 

3.Mr.Shaw wanted to perform the surgery for free. But Mrs. Jane does not seem to agree with it. The surgery became an apple of discord between the two.