apples of the hesperides: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (C2)Literary, Figurative
Quick answer
What does “apples of the hesperides” mean?
An extremely desirable, rare, or valuable object or reward.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An extremely desirable, rare, or valuable object or reward; a nearly unattainable prize.
A metaphorical term for any highly coveted, mythological-level treasure or ideal goal, often suggesting immense difficulty of attainment and potential danger in the pursuit.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in usage or meaning; it is a classical reference understood in both varieties.
Connotations
Identical classical/literary connotations in both dialects.
Frequency
Equally rare in both British and American English, found in literary, rhetorical, or elevated contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “apples of the hesperides” in a Sentence
[Subject] seeks/guards/represents the apples of the Hesperides.The [desired object] is the modern/industrial/scientific apples of the Hesperides.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “apples of the hesperides” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The Hesperidean apples were guarded by a dragon.
- He embarked on a Hesperidean quest for the truth.
American English
- The Hesperidean treasure was the ultimate goal.
- She described the promotion as a Hesperidean objective.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Metaphor for a market-dominant technology or a supremely lucrative contract that all competitors desire but cannot secure. 'The new government defence contract is the apples of the Hesperides for every aerospace firm.'
Academic
Used in literary criticism or cultural studies to discuss symbols of ultimate desire in texts. 'The philosopher's stone functions as the alchemical apples of the Hesperides in medieval narratives.'
Everyday
Extremely rare. Might be used humorously or hyperbolically for a highly desired item. 'For collectors, that limited-edition vinyl is the apples of the Hesperides.'
Technical
Not used in technical fields except perhaps metaphorically in strategic planning or goal-setting discussions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “apples of the hesperides”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “apples of the hesperides”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “apples of the hesperides”
- Capitalization error: writing 'apples of the hesperides'. 'Hesperides' is a proper name and must be capitalized.
- Using it to mean simply 'fruit' or 'apples'.
- Using it in a low-stakes context where a simpler word like 'goal' or 'prize' is more appropriate, making the phrase sound pompous.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a rare, literary, and figurative expression. You are more likely to encounter it in writing than in everyday speech.
To use it effectively, yes. Understanding that it refers to the golden apples guarded by nymphs and a dragon, and that obtaining them was one of Hercules' impossible labours, is essential to grasp its full connotations of supreme value and extreme difficulty.
The most common mistake is using it in an inappropriate register—for example, in casual conversation about a simple desire. This can sound pretentious. It belongs in elevated, metaphorical, or literary contexts.
They are very close synonyms. 'Holy grail' is significantly more common in modern English and has broader Christian/Arthurian connotations. 'Apples of the Hesperides' is more classical and specifically evokes Greek mythology, danger (the dragon), and a physically defined treasure.
An extremely desirable, rare, or valuable object or reward.
Apples of the hesperides is usually literary, figurative in register.
Apples of the hesperides: in British English it is pronounced /ˌæp.l̩z əv ðə hɛˈspɛr.ɪ.diːz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌæp.l̩z əv ðə hɛˈspɛr.əˌdiːz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a Herculean task (closely related, referencing the same myth)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
HESPERIDES rhymes with 'desperately needs' — you desperately need but can hardly ever get the apples of the Hesperides.
Conceptual Metaphor
DESIRED OBJECTS ARE MYTHOLOGICAL TREASURES; DIFFICULT GOALS ARE HERCULEAN LABORS.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the phrase 'apples of the Hesperides' be LEAST appropriate?