Bury the hatchet 

The idiom bury the hatchet refers to resolving a conflict, ending a dispute, or making peace with someone after a period of disagreement or animosity. Its origins trace back to a Native American tradition where warring tribes would literally bury a hatchet or tomahawk as a symbol of peace and the cessation of hostilities. In modern usage, bury the hatchet is often used figuratively to describe reconciliation between individuals, groups, or even nations. This expression highlights the importance of forgiveness, compromise, and moving past differences to restore harmony. Whether in personal relationships or professional settings, choosing to bury the hatchet signifies a willingness to prioritize shared goals or emotional well-being over lingering grievances. It can happen spontaneously after a heartfelt conversation or through deliberate efforts to mediate and find common ground. However, burying the hatchet does not always mean that underlying issues have been fully resolved; it can simply reflect a decision to stop dwelling on past conflicts. The phrase conveys a sense of maturity and a commitment to fostering better relationships, regardless of the scale of the disagreement. Ultimately, the act of burying the hatchet serves as a reminder that peace and understanding are often worth more than holding on to resentment.

Sample Sentences

1. After years of feuding, the two neighbors decided to bury the hatchet and start fresh.
2. It was clear that if the team wanted to succeed, they needed to bury the hatchet and work together.
3. The old friends finally buried the hatchet over a cup of coffee, laughing about their past misunderstandings.
4. The peace treaty marked a moment when the warring nations could symbolically bury the hatchet.
5. She apologized sincerely, and they agreed to bury the hatchet and move on from their argument.
6. They decided to bury the hatchet for the sake of their children, setting aside their differences.
7. The company’s management and employees met to bury the hatchet and address their grievances constructively.
8. Despite their long-standing rivalry, the competitors buried the hatchet during a public reconciliation.
9. He knew it was time to bury the hatchet and focus on building a healthier relationship with his family.
10. After the heated debate, the colleagues shook hands and buried the hatchet, realizing their goals were aligned.

Synonyms for “Bury the Hatchet”

1. Reconcile
2. Make peace
3. Mend fences
4. Settle differences
5. Resolve conflict
6. Forgive and forget
7. Restore harmony
8. End hostilities
9. Come to terms
10. Patch things up

Antonyms for “Bury the Hatchet”

1. Hold a grudge
2. Stir up conflict
3. Reignite hostilities
4. Break ties
5. Create division
6. Worsen a feud
7. Harbor resentment
8. Disagree
9. Argue
10. Continue animosity

Related Words and Expressions

Related Words:

• Peace
• Forgiveness
• Compromise
• Harmony
• Resolution
• Truce
• Accord
• Understanding
• Agreement
• Amicability

Phrasal Verbs:

• Patch up (to repair a relationship or situation, akin to bury the hatchet)
• Smooth over (to make a conflict less serious or resolve it)
• Make up (to reconcile after a dispute)
• Work out (to resolve a disagreement)
• Settle down (to calm conflicts or tensions)

Idiomatic Expressions:

• Let bygones be bygones (to forgive past grievances, similar to bury the hatchet)
• Shake hands on it (to formalize peace or agreement)
• Turn over a new leaf (to start fresh, often after resolving conflict)
• Call it even (to stop holding grudges and resolve a dispute)
• Wipe the slate clean (to forgive and move forward without past issues weighing down)