olive branch
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A symbol or gesture of peace or reconciliation: An "olive branch" is something offered to an adversary with the intention of ending a conflict or disagreement and establishing peace.
Usage
The term is used metaphorically to describe an action, offer, or concession made to show a desire to stop fighting or arguing and to improve a relationship. It is a singular, countable noun.
Examples
- Noun:
- After their argument, she offered an olive branch by inviting him to lunch.
- The company extended an olive branch to the striking workers by agreeing to reopen negotiations.
- Holding out an olive branch, he apologized for his harsh words.
Advanced Usage
- "to extend/offer/hold out an olive branch": This is the standard collocation for making a gesture of peace.
- The diplomat was sent to extend an olive branch to the neighboring country.
Variants and Related Words
- Peace offering (n): A gift or gesture meant to establish peace. This is a close synonym but is more general and less idiomatic than "olive branch."
- He brought flowers as a peace offering.
Synonyms
- Gesture of reconciliation
- Peace offering
- Conciliatory gesture
Idioms
- "To extend the olive branch": To make a move to end a dispute.
- It's time for someone to extend the olive branch so this feud can end.
Noun
- something offered to an adversary in the hope of obtaining peace