English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
Mend fences
Meaning
The idiom "mend fences" means to make amends, repair a damaged relationship or situation, or to try to restore peace or harmony after a conflict or disagreement. It can also mean to take steps to prevent future disputes or misunderstandings.
Usage
- After the argument with their sister, they decided it was time to mend fences and reconnect.
- The CEO realized that he needed to mend fences with his employees after the layoffs were announced.
- When the neighbors approached them about the noise from their backyard party, they quickly mended fences and agreed to keep it down.
- After years of not speaking to each other, the siblings decided to mend fences and plan a family reunion.
- The politician knew that he needed to mend fences with the local community after his controversial comments in a debate.
Roots and History
The idiom "mend fences" dates back to the 19th century in the United States, where farmers would often have disputes over boundaries or ownership of land. The act of mending fences came to symbolize repairing relationships or settling disagreements. Over time, the phrase has been used metaphorically to describe a wider range of situations and relationships, including personal conflicts and political tensions.
Synonyms in English
- Make amends
- Repair a relationship
- Restore peace
- Prevent future disputes
- Resolve differences
Synonyms in other languages
- Spanish: "Reparar relaciones"
- This phrase means to repair relationships and is often used to describe efforts to mend fences after a conflict or disagreement.
- French: "Réparer un lien"
- This phrase translates to repair a link or bond, and is commonly used to describe the act of mending fences or restoring relationships.
- Italian: "Mendicare pace"
- This phrase means to beg for peace or reconciliation, and is often used to describe efforts to mend fences after a conflict or dispute.
- German: "Aufzustellen"
- This phrase translates to reestablishing contact or communication, and is commonly used to describe the act of mending fences or repairing relationships.
- Portuguese: "Mender relações"
- This phrase means to repair relationships or mend fences after a conflict or disagreement, and is often used in both personal and professional contexts.