mending fences

/ˈmɛndɪŋ ˈfɛnsɪz/◆idiom

repairing relationships

After their argument, the siblings spent the weekend mending fences.

They worked to repair their damaged relationship.

◆ What It Really Means

The effort required to repair damaged relationships, often after a conflict or misunderstanding.

¶ Literal Meaning

The act of physically repairing a fence.

Literal Breakdown

mendingfixing or repairing+fencesbarriers made of wood, metal, or other materials

◇ Mental Image

The mental image of repairing a physical fence, symbolizing the effort and care needed to restore a relationship.

◈ When to Use

After a heated argument with a coworker, you might decide to mend fences by apologizing and discussing the issue calmly.

◉ Cultural Note

This idiom reflects the cultural value placed on repairing relationships and maintaining harmony, especially in Western societies.

informal

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.

Collocations

mend fencesrepair relationshipsmending fencesactively repairing relationships

Synonyms

repairing relationships making amends reconciling

Antonyms

burning bridges holding a grudge cutting ties

Related Phrases

burn bridgesidiom

to damage relationships irreparably

make amendsphrase

to compensate for a wrongdoing

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.

Word Breakdown

mending

repairing

root

fences

barriers or boundaries

root

English Dictionary

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