bury the hatchet

/ˈbɛri ðə ˈhætʃɪt/
phrase★Intermediate◆idiom
◆ What It Really Means
To end a conflict or feud and make peace with someone.
Literal Meaning
To physically bury a hatchet in the ground.
Literal Breakdown
buryto place something in the ground and cover it with soil+the hatcheta small axe used for chopping wood or as a weapon
◇ Mental Image
The mental image is of literally burying a hatchet, symbolizing the end of violence or conflict.
◈ When to Use
Two business partners who had a falling out decide to bury the hatchet and work together again.
◉ Cultural Note
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.
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.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

pick up the hatchetidiom
to resume a conflict or feud
let bygones be bygonesidiom
to forgive past conflicts and move forward

💡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