What does “Bury the hatchet” mean?

"Bury the hatchet" means to make peace or reconcile with someone.

What context can I use the in?

Example

After years of feuding, they finally decided to bury the hatchet and move on.

Example

It's time for us to bury the hatchet and put our differences aside.

Example

They met for coffee to bury the hatchet and mend their friendship

Is “Bury the hatchet” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Bury the hatchet” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “Bury the hatchet” effectively in context?

You can use "Bury the Hatchet" to suggest that it's time to make peace or reconcile with someone, putting aside past disagreements or conflicts. For example, if you have been arguing with a friend for a long time, you might say, 'Let's bury the hatchet and move on.'

1Friendship
After years of feuding, they finally decided to bury the hatchet and move on.
2Conflict Resolution
It's time for us to bury the hatchet and put our differences aside.
3Reconciliation
They met for coffee to bury the hatchet and mend their friendship.

Similar phrases to “Bury the hatchet”:

Make amends

To take action to repair a damaged relationship or resolve a conflict

Example

He apologized to his friend to make amends for his hurtful words.

Turn over a new leaf

To make a fresh start or change one's behavior for the better

Example

After the argument, she decided to turn over a new leaf and be more understanding.

Patch things up

To fix or mend a broken relationship or resolve a conflict

Example

They met to patch things up and find a resolution to their disagreement.

Extend an olive branch

To offer peace or reconciliation to someone

Example

She extended an olive branch by inviting her estranged sibling to dinner.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Bury the hatchet” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Bury the Hatchet" can be traced back to Native American culture. In some tribes, when two warring parties decided to end their conflict, they would bury their weapons, including hatchets, as a symbol of peace and reconciliation.

Is “Bury the hatchet” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "Bury the Hatchet" is a common idiom used in everyday conversation. People often use it to express the desire to resolve conflicts and restore harmony in relationships.

What tone does “Bury the hatchet” have?

"Bury the Hatchet" conveys a tone of reconciliation and peace. It suggests a willingness to let go of past grievances and start anew.

Can “Bury the hatchet” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "bury the hatchet" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that conveys the idea of making peace and resolving conflicts. You can use it in conversations with friends, family, colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as mediation sessions or professional discussions.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'They decided to bury the hatchet and move forward.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to "bury the hatchet"!' to imply the need for reconciliation.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

mend fences
make peace
reconcile
resolve differences
smooth things over

Antonyms

hold a grudge
stay at odds
keep the conflict alive
refuse to forgive
maintain animosity