mending fences
/ˈmɛndɪŋ ˈfɛnsɪz/To repair or improve a damaged relationship, often after a conflict or misunderstanding.
The CEO decided to mend fences with the employees after the layoffs.
The CEO worked to rebuild trust and improve relationships with the staff.
It took years, but the two friends finally mended fences after their falling out.
They reconciled and restored their friendship.
This idiom is often used in contexts where reconciliation or rebuilding trust is needed.
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💡Pro Tip
Usage Context
Use this phrase when describing efforts to repair relationships after conflicts or misunderstandings.
⚡Gold Rule
Literal vs. Figurative
Remember that 'mending fences' is a figurative expression and does not refer to actual fence repair.
📖Word Origin
The phrase originates from the literal act of repairing physical fences, symbolizing the effort required to restore relationships.
📝Usage Notes
This idiom is commonly used in both personal and professional contexts to describe the process of repairing relationships after conflicts.