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bury the hatchet
/ˈbɛri ðə ˈhætʃɪt/◆idiom
to end a conflict or feud
After years of arguing, the two brothers decided to bury the hatchet and reconcile.
They ended their long-standing conflict and made peace.
informal
To end a conflict or feud and make peace with someone.
The rival companies agreed to bury the hatchet and collaborate on a new project.
They ended their competition and decided to work together.
She finally buried the hatchet with her sister after years of tension.
She resolved her long-standing disagreement with her sister.
This idiom is often used to describe reconciliation after a serious disagreement or rivalry.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Usage Context
Use this idiom when describing reconciliation after a serious disagreement or rivalry, especially in personal or business relationships.
Gold Rule
Avoid Literal Interpretation
Do not use this phrase literally; it is always used figuratively to describe reconciliation.
Word Origin
The phrase originates from Native American traditions where burying a hatchet symbolized the end of hostilities. It became widely used in English to describe reconciliation.
Usage Notes
This idiom is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to describe the resolution of conflicts, especially between individuals or groups who have been in disagreement for a long time.
English Dictionary