hold out/offer an olive branch idiom meaning
Hold out/offer an olive branch
Definition: To make a peace offering; to extend an offer of reconciliation or a gesture of goodwill toward someone after a dispute or conflict.
Usage: The phrase is often used in both personal and diplomatic contexts to indicate a desire to resolve a disagreement and restore friendly relations.
Example sentences:
- After their long-standing feud, Sarah decided to hold out an olive branch by inviting her sister to dinner.
- The two ambassadors exchanged olive branches as a symbol of their nations’ intent to mend ties.
Etymology: The idiom “hold out/offer an olive branch” has its roots in ancient times. The olive branch has been a symbol of peace and victory since ancient Greek and Roman cultures. In Greek mythology, the olive tree represented peace and prosperity, and the ancient Romans adopted this symbol for peace negotiations. The phrase as used in English first appeared in the 16th century.
Pronunciation: /həʊld aʊt/ /ˈɒlɪv brɑːntʃ/
Synonyms:
- Make peace
- Reconcile
- Extend an olive branch
- Mend fences
- Bury the hatchet
Antonyms:
- Continue the feud
- Hold a grudge
- Prolong the conflict
- Worsen tensions
The idiom “hold out/offer an olive branch” captures the essence of attempting to make amends and foster reconciliation, often symbolized by the ancient tradition of offering an olive branch as a gesture of peace.
- After their argument, Sarah decided to hold out an olive branch by inviting Mark to dinner to discuss their differences.
- Despite the tension between the two teams, Coach Reynolds tried to hold out an olive branch by suggesting a friendly game to ease the rivalry.
- When they met after years of estrangement, Emily chose to hold out an olive branch by apologizing for past grievances.
- The manager decided to hold out an olive branch to the disgruntled employees by promising to address their concerns in the next meeting.
- In an effort to mend their friendship, Tom reached out to hold out an olive branch and suggested they take a trip together.
Take your English to the next level with YouTube videos. Tombik.com