buried the hatchet
Ended the feud
To bury the hatchet is to end a conflict and make peace, especially after a prolonged dispute: After years of feuding, the two families finally buried the hatchet.
The phrase evokes a Native American practice of literally burying weapons to signify the end of hostilities.
It implies a deliberate decision to let go of grievances rather than merely forgetting them.
- let bygones be bygonesRelease past resentments mutually
- peace pipeCeremonial smoking instrument
- mend fencesRestore strained relations
- patch things upRepair a strained relationship
- kiss and make upResolve conflict affectionately
clear the air · reconciliation · turn the page · start fresh · compromise · shake hands · shake on it · truce · mediation · call it even · agreement · make amends · harmony · forgiveness · make peace · understanding · diplomacy · negotiation
buried the hatchetdeclared war
Formally announced military aggression
fanned the flames · threw down the gauntlet · at each other's throats · burned bridges