Definition

1. 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

1. something offered to an adversary in the hope of obtaining peace