Kiss and make up

Meaning

The idiom "kiss and make up" means to reconcile or end a disagreement, often after an argument or conflict has escalated. It suggests that by kissing, which is a sign of affection, the two parties are making up and putting aside their differences.

Usage

• After their heated argument, John and Sarah decided to kiss and make up and go out for dinner together.
• My parents always told me to kiss and make up with my siblings when we had fights.
• When the boss found out about the conflict between her employees, she made them kiss and make up before they could return to work.
• After their argument, the couple decided to take a break from each other and then kiss and make up when they were ready to try again.
• The two friends had a disagreement but later kissed and made up and continued their friendship.

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 the practice of girls kissing each other to settle disputes among themselves. Another theory suggests that it comes from the biblical story of David and Jonathan, who were close friends and vowed to never part ways until they were both old and gray. According to this theory, when they had disagreements, they would make up by kissing each other on the lips.

Synonyms in English

• Make amends
• Reconcile
• Settle a dispute
• Compromise
• Find common ground

Synonyms in other languages

• In French, the phrase "se mettre en tête" means to reconcile or make up after an argument.
• In Spanish, the phrase "entender" means to understand and agree with each other.
• In Italian, the phrase "riprenderci un'altra volta" means to forgive each other and start over again.
• In German, the phrase "vergessen und vergesslich werden" means to forget and be forgotten.
• In Chinese, the phrase "和好" means to greet each other warmly and peacefully.

Similar Idioms

• knee jerk reaction

• kick the bucket

• get hitched