apple of discord
Contention's root cause
An apple of discord is something that causes rivalry, disagreement, or contention among people.
The phrase comes from Greek mythology, where a golden apple inscribed "for the fairest" sparked a dispute among goddesses that ultimately led to the Trojan War.
Any divisive issue or object that provokes conflict can be called an apple of discord: The inheritance became an apple of discord among the siblings.
Angry, prolonged conflict
- disputeVerbal clash over differences
- contentionAssertion or rivalry
- rivalryOngoing contest between opponents
- feudBitter ongoing rivalry
quarrel · dissension · friction · antagonism · bone of contention · flashpoint · catalyst · trigger
strife
Angry, prolonged conflict
- disputeVerbal clash over differences
- contentionAssertion or rivalry
- rivalryOngoing contest between opponents
feud · quarrel · dissension · friction · antagonism · bone of contention · flashpoint · catalyst · trigger · point of contention
- Trojan WarTroy, Achilles, Hector, Helen, Odysseus
- Fruit Symbolismforbidden fruit, pomegranate, fig, grape, grapes
- mythical & exotic fruitsforbidden fruit, ambrosia, lotus fruit
- symbolic foodsforbidden fruit, bread of life, manna, communion wafer, matzo
- literary allusionsclassical references, Greek myths, Roman myths, biblical references, Eden
- magical artifactsamulet, talisman, wand, grimoire, spellbook
apple of discordpeace offering
Gesture to end conflict
olive branch · peace pipe · white flag · balm · common ground
apple of discordpeacemaker
Conflict resolution agent
olive branch · peace offering · peace treaty · common ground · armistice
apple, discord, applesauce, apples, applewood, applecart, applejack