hold out the olive branch
hold out an/the olive branch
To extend an offer or gesture of peace, reconciliation, truce, etc., so as to end a disagreement or dispute. If you find yourself in a spat with a friend, try to be the bigger person and be the one to hold out the olive branch. I was still hurt by the way my parents had lied to me, but I decided to hold out an olive branch by going home for Christmas.
See also: branch, hold, olive, out
hold out the olive branch (to someone)
To extend an offer or gesture of peace, reconciliation, truce, etc. (to someone), so as to end a disagreement or dispute. The conservatives in Congress seem to be holding out the olive branch to Democrats on the issue of raising the debt ceiling. If you find yourself in a spat with a friend, try to be the bigger person and be the one to hold out the olive branch.
See also: branch, hold, olive, out
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
hold out the olive branch
Fig. to offer to end a dispute and be friendly; to offer reconciliation. (The olive branch is a symbol of peace and reconciliation. A biblical reference.) Jill was the first to hold out the olive branch after our argument. I always try to hold out the olive branch to someone I have offended. Life is too short for a person to bear grudges for very long.
See also: branch, hold, olive, out
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
- hold out an/the olive branch
- hold out/offer an olive branch
- hold out the olive branch (to someone)
- hold out an olive branch
- hold out an olive branch (to someone)
- a difference of opinion
- be out of tune
- in dispute
- have a beef with (someone or something)
- get square with