hold out the olive branch (to someone)
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 olive branch
- hold out an olive branch (to someone)
- hold out an/the olive branch
- hold out the olive branch
- hold out/offer an olive branch
- a difference of opinion
- in dispute
- have a beef with (someone or something)
- get square with
- get square with (one)