PhrasesHub

Mend fences

    Definitions

      • repair a damaged relationship
        To make amends or reconcile with someone after a disagreement or conflict

      • improve relations
        To work on improving or restoring a relationship or connection with someone or a group

    Examples of Mend fences

    • After the heated argument between the two neighbors, it's time to mend fences.

      This idiom means to reconcile and ease the tension between two parties after a disagreement or argument. In this example, the neighbors had a disagreement and now they need to work on repairing the relationship.

    • The President's approval rating has dropped, and he's been working on mending fences with the public.

      This use of the idiom refers to the President making attempts to regain the trust and support of the people after losing favor.

    • The newly appointed CEO has been traveling around the country, mending fences with disgruntled employees and suppliers.

      This example shows how the CEO is working to fix relationships with employees and suppliers who are unhappy with the company's actions.

    • They've been mending fences with the local community after the criticism they received for their recent business decision.

      This use of the idiom demonstrates how the company is addressing negative feedback from the community and trying to regain their support.

    • After their heated argument, Jane realized that she needed to mend fences with her sister.

      To "mend fences" is a figurative expression that means to repair a damaged relationship. In this example, Jane and her sister had a disagreement that hurt their relationship. Jane wants to take steps to fix the issue and improve their relationship.

    • The neighborhood feud between the two families had been going on for months. The time had come to mend fences and put an end to the hostility.

      The phrase "neighborhood feud" refers to a long-standing dispute between two families living in the same area. "Mending fences" in this context means finding a way to resolve the conflict and improve the relationship between the families.

    • The political tension between the two nations had reached a boiling point. It was time for the leaders to mend fences and work towards a peaceful solution.

      "Political tension" refers to the high level of conflict or hostility between two countries. In this example, the phrase "mend fences" means finding a way to resolve the conflict and improve the relationship between the nations.

    • After the company's disappointing performance, the CEO realized that he needed to mend fences with the investors.

      In this example, "disappointing performance" refers to poor financial results. The phrase "mend fences" is used to describe the CEO's efforts to repair the relationship between the company and its investors. The CEO wants to take steps to rebuild trust and improve the company's financial situation.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "mend fences" is commonly used to refer to the act of repairing a damaged relationship or improving relations with someone. It can be used in personal or professional contexts, and it emphasizes the importance of addressing and resolving conflicts or misunderstandings in order to move forward positively.

    In both meanings, the intention is to address and rectify any issues that have caused a rift or strain in a relationship. Whether it's repairing a personal friendship or improving relations with a colleague or organization, the idiom "mend fences" underscores the importance of reconciliation and rebuilding trust.

    Origin of "Mend fences"

    The origin of the idiom "mend fences" can be traced back to the literal act of repairing or rebuilding fences that separate properties or territories. In agricultural societies, maintaining good relations with neighbors was crucial, and one way to do so was by ensuring that property boundaries were clearly defined and well-maintained.

    When a fence was damaged, it not only posed a physical risk to the property but also signaled a potential strain in relations with the neighboring landowner. Therefore, repairing the fence was not just a practical necessity but also a symbolic gesture of goodwill and a desire to maintain positive relations.

    Over time, the literal meaning of "mending fences" evolved into a figurative expression for repairing damaged relationships or improving connections with others. The idiom continues to be used today to emphasize the importance of addressing and resolving conflicts in order to maintain positive and harmonious relations.