Bury the hatchet

Meaning

The idiom "bury the hatchet" means to end a conflict or disagreement, or to make peace between two parties who have been at odds. It suggests that the past is buried and forgotten, and that both sides are ready to move forward together in harmony.

Usage

• After years of feuding, the siblings decided to bury the hatchet and reconcile.
• The company's profits have improved significantly since they chose to bury the hatchet and focus on collaboration instead of competition.
• During the negotiations, both sides agreed to bury the hatchet and work towards a mutually beneficial agreement.
• The two neighbors had been at odds for years, but after several meetings, they finally decided to bury the hatchet and become friends.
• In an effort to promote unity, the school administration urged students to bury the hatchet and focus on their shared goals.

Roots and History

The origin of the idiom is unclear, but it has been in use since at least the 17th century. One theory suggests that it comes from a tradition among Native American tribes where they would bury their weapons during peace negotiations. Another theory says that it was used by sailors who would throw their hatchets overboard when they reached port and were ready to start fresh. Over time, the idiom has come to be used more broadly to refer to any situation in which two parties must set aside their differences and work together.

Synonyms in English

• make up
• patch things up
• settle a dispute
• call off a feud
• put an end to a disagreement

Synonyms in other languages

• French - mettre fin à un conflit (to end a conflict)
• Spanish - enterrar una espada (to bury a sword, or to end a quarrel)
• Italian - porre fine a una disputa (to end a dispute)
• German - beenden (to end)
• Portuguese - enterrar uma boneca (to end a fight, or to make up)

Similar Idioms

• buckle down

• burst at the seams

• bundle up