Bury the hatchet

Definitions

• Resolve a dispute or conflict
  To put an end to a disagreement or argument and make peace with someone, usually after a long period of tension or hostility

• Let go of anger or resentment
  To forgive and forget about past grievances or offenses, moving on from negative feelings and emotions towards someone

• End a relationship or connection
  To officially or symbolically end a partnership, friendship, or alliance, usually in a peaceful and amicable manner

Examples of Bury the hatchet

• After years of feuding, the two families finally decided to bury the hatchet and reconcile.

  The phrase "bury the hatchet" is an idiom that means to end a long-standing conflict or dispute. It comes from the image of Native Americans burying their hatchets as a symbol of peace. In this example, the families have been fighting for a long time, but they have decided to put their differences aside and make amends. By "burying the hatchet," they are symbolically putting an end to their feud and moving forward with a more peaceful relationship.

Conclusion

The idiom "bury the hatchet" is commonly used to describe the act of resolving conflicts or ending relationships in a peaceful manner. It can also refer to letting go of negative emotions and moving on from past grievances. The phrase implies a sense of closure and forgiveness, and is often used in a figurative sense to describe the end of a tense or hostile situation.

The idiom can be used in a variety of contexts, from personal relationships to business partnerships. It can also be used in a more literal sense, referring to the burying of a literal hatchet or weapon as a symbol of peace and reconciliation.

Origin of "Bury the hatchet"

The origin of this idiom can be traced back to Native American culture. In some tribes, it was customary for two warring parties to bury their weapons, including hatchets, as a sign of ending the conflict and making peace. This practice was also adopted by European colonizers who interacted with Native American tribes.

Over time, the phrase "bury the hatchet" became a common metaphor for ending conflicts and making peace. It was first recorded in English literature in the early 18th century and has since been used in various forms, such as "bury the tomahawk" or "bury the hatchet in the warpath."

Today, the idiom is widely used in both formal and informal settings, and has become a popular way to describe the act of resolving conflicts and letting go of negative feelings. Its origins in Native American culture add a deeper cultural significance to the phrase, highlighting the importance of peace and reconciliation in human relationships.