burying the hatchet
Ending a feud
Burying the hatchet is making peace after a conflict, ending hostilities and agreeing to move forward.
The image comes from a Native American practice of literally burying weapons to signify the end of war between tribes.
After years of feuding, the brothers finally buried the hatchet.
The phrase implies deliberate reconciliation rather than simply forgetting a dispute.
- peace pipeCeremonial smoking instrument
- olive branchSymbol of reconciliation
- making peaceEnding hostilities between parties
- handshakeMutual palm-gripping gesture
- truceAgreed halt to hostilities
compromise · clearing the air · forgiveness · letting bygones be bygones · symbolic gesture · letting go · closure · mending fences · understanding · bygones · water under the bridge · ritual offering · negotiation · conciliation · détente · trust-building · harmony · accord
- forgivenessforgiveness of sins, redemption, absolve, mercy, grace
- reconciliationreconciliation, reconcile, reconciled, reconciling, making up
burying the hatchetdeclaring war
Formal announcement of military action
fanning the flames · throwing down the gauntlet · going to war · severing ties · burning bridges
burying the hatchetholding a grudge
keeping score · getting even · biding one's time · settling scores