Bury the hatchet
Meaning
To end a disagreement or conflict and make peace with someone.
Origin
The phrase "bury the hatchet" dates back to the 17th century, drawing its vivid imagery from the peace customs of various Native American tribes in North America. When rival nations agreed to end hostilities, they would ritually bury their weapons—often tomahawks or hatchets—as a symbolic gesture of peace and a commitment to cease warfare. This physical act of interring the instruments of conflict beneath the earth signified that past grievances were forgotten and peace had been re-established. English colonists observed these powerful ceremonies, adopting the potent metaphor into their own language to describe the act of resolving disputes.
Examples
- After years of feuding, the two brothers finally decided to bury the hatchet and reconcile.
- It's time for the rival political parties to bury the hatchet and work together for the good of the nation.