olive-branch
Conciliatory diplomatic gesture
An olive branch is a symbol of peace or reconciliation, deriving from the biblical story of Noah's dove returning with an olive leaf to signal the flood's end.
When someone extends or offers an olive branch, they're making a gesture toward ending a conflict or repairing a relationship.
After weeks of not speaking, she extended an olive branch by inviting him to dinner.
The phrase nearly always appears in figurative contexts rather than referring to an actual branch from an olive tree.
Agreed halt to hostilities
- ceasefireAgreed halt to fighting
- armisticeAgreement to cease hostilities
- negotiationDiscussion seeking mutual accord
- diplomacyNegotiation between nations
mediation · reconciliation · settlement · compromise · concession · overture · parley · dialogue
Releasing resentment toward offenders
- apologyStatement acknowledging wrongdoing
- amendsCompensation for wrongdoing
- healingRestoration of health
- reparationCompensation for injury done
mending · restoration · redemption · pardon · understanding · rapprochement · atonement · reunion
Harmony between parties
- unityWholeness through cohesion
- concordMutual agreement, peaceful relations
- amityPeaceful mutual regard
- cooperationJoint action toward shared aims
rapport · goodwill · friendship · solidarity · understanding · compatibility · comity · peaceful
truce
Agreed halt to hostilities
- ceasefireAgreed halt to fighting
- armisticeAgreement to cease hostilities
- negotiationDiscussion seeking mutual accord
diplomacy · mediation · reconciliation · settlement · compromise · concession · overture · parley · dialogue · de-escalation
forgiveness
Releasing resentment toward offenders
- apologyStatement acknowledging wrongdoing
- amendsCompensation for wrongdoing
- healingRestoration of health
reparation · mending · restoration · redemption · pardon · understanding · rapprochement · atonement · reunion · fence-mending
accord
Harmony between parties
- unityWholeness through cohesion
- concordMutual agreement, peaceful relations
- amityPeaceful mutual regard
cooperation · rapport · goodwill · friendship · solidarity · understanding · compatibility · comity · peaceful · coexistence
peace
Freedom from disturbance
Athena · wreath · emblem · motif · allegory · icon · covenant · hope · renewal · victory
olive-branchdeclaration of war
Formal announcement of hostilities
gauntlet · war cry · provocation · saber-rattling · threat
olive-branchrebuff
Abrupt, curt rejection
cold shoulder · rejection · snub · stonewalling · intransigence
olive, olive oil, olives, oleic, olive branch, olive tree, laurel wreath, olive grove