To sow dissent

Origin

The phrase draws its vivid imagery from ancient agricultural practices, where a farmer scattered seeds across a field. Just as seeds take root and grow, so too can ideas. This metaphor gained significant traction through biblical parables, particularly in the New Testament, where "sowing" is used to describe the spreading of God's word, but also metaphorically for spreading good or bad influences. Over time, the concept of "sowing" extended beyond physical seeds to abstract concepts, specifically negative ones like discord and disagreement, turning the fertile ground into a battleground for conflicting ideas, capable of dividing any group or society.