What does “Make Nice” mean?

"Make Nice" means to behave in a friendly and polite manner.

What context can I use the in?

Example

He always tries to make nice with everyone he meets.

Example

She decided to make nice with her new neighbors by bringing them cookies.

Example

The two politicians shook hands and exchanged pleasantries, attempting to make nice for the cameras

Is “Make Nice” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Make Nice” 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 “Make Nice” effectively in context?

You can use "Make Nice" to describe the act of being friendly and polite towards others. It implies making an effort to create a positive and harmonious atmosphere. For example, if someone is trying to resolve a conflict, you might say, 'Why don't you try to make nice and apologize?'

1Social Interactions
He always tries to make nice with everyone he meets.
2Building Relationships
She decided to make nice with her new neighbors by bringing them cookies.
3Public Relations
The two politicians shook hands and exchanged pleasantries, attempting to make nice for the cameras.

Similar phrases to “Make Nice”:

Be friendly

To act in a kind and pleasant manner towards others

Example

She always makes an effort to be friendly to everyone she meets.

Extend an olive branch

To make a gesture of peace or reconciliation

Example

After their argument, he decided to extend an olive branch and invite her to lunch.

Smooth things over

To resolve or alleviate a tense or difficult situation

Example

She tried to smooth things over by apologizing and offering a solution.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Make Nice” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Make Nice" is unknown.

Is “Make Nice” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "Make Nice" is a common expression in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe the act of being friendly and polite in various social situations.

What tone does “Make Nice” have?

"Make Nice" conveys a tone of friendliness and politeness. It suggests the importance of creating a positive and harmonious environment through kind and considerate behavior.

Can “Make Nice” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "Make Nice" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that describes the act of being friendly and polite. You can use it in casual conversations with friends and family, as well as in more formal situations such as business meetings or professional interactions.

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, 'He decided to make nice and apologize.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to "make nice"!' to imply the need for friendly behavior.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

be polite
act cordially
show goodwill
make amends
patch things up

Antonyms

be rude
act hostile
hold a grudge
create tension
cause conflict