Conflict Idioms: Fighting & Making Peace (At Loggerheads, Bury the Hatchet)
at loggerheads and bury the hatchet adds authentic C1 fluency.
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Master the art of describing disagreements and resolutions using high-level metaphors like 'at loggerheads' and 'bury the hatchet'.
- Use 'at loggerheads' to describe a state of persistent disagreement (e.g., They are at loggerheads).
- Use 'bury the hatchet' as a transitive verb phrase for ending a conflict (e.g., We buried the hatchet).
- Ensure subject-verb agreement when using action-based idioms like 'lock horns' or 'patch things up'.
Overview
Learn these two phrases. They help you speak better English.
Learn how to use them. You will sound very smart.
These words mean big things. One means fighting. One means peace.
These phrases have old stories. Now they are just for talk.
How This Grammar Works
Formation Pattern
at loggerheads
a, an, the) directly before loggerheads. They found themselves at loggerheads.
be) | The two co-founders are at loggerheads over the company's future. |
be) | The nations were at loggerheads for a decade before the treaty was signed. |
be) | Management and the union have been at loggerheads since the negotiations began. |
Despite our efforts, we remain at loggerheads on the main issue. |
She's constantly at loggerheads with her supervisor. |
They're at loggerheads over how to raise their children. |
bury the hatchet
He usually tries to bury the hatchet quickly after an argument. |
After 20 years of silence, the brothers finally buried the hatchet. |
will) | I hope they will bury the hatchet for the sake of the family. |
When To Use It
at loggerheads for:- 1Formal or Deep-Seated Disagreements: This idiom is perfectly suited for situations involving significant, often structural, conflict. It's less about a shouting match and more about a fundamental impasse. Think of corporate negotiations, political debates, or legal disputes.
The two political parties are at loggerheads over healthcare reform.(Implies a deep, policy-level conflict, not just a simple argument.)
- 1Describing a Stalemate: The phrase excels at conveying a situation where progress is impossible because the opposing sides are unyielding. It emphasizes the deadlock itself.
The committee was at loggerheads, with a 5-5 split vote on the final proposal.
- 1Serious Interpersonal Conflict: While it has a formal flavor, it can describe personal conflicts if they are long-standing and serious. It implies a relationship characterized by opposition, not just a momentary spat.
The couple was at loggerheads over their finances for years before they sought counseling.
at loggerheads for trivial, temporary, or purely emotional disagreements. Saying you're at loggerheads with your friend over which movie to watch would sound comically overdramatic. In that case, disagreeing or arguing is more natural.bury the hatchet for:- 1Ending a Significant Feud: This idiom’s primary use is to mark the end of a long, bitter, or important conflict. The gravity of the idiom should match the gravity of the dispute.
After a decade of rivalry, the two tech companies buried the hatchet and announced a joint venture.
- 1A Conscious, Deliberate Act of Peace: It emphasizes the decision to set aside grievances. It's not about passively forgetting; it’s about actively choosing to reconcile.
I called my sister and we had a long talk. We decided it was time to bury the hatchet.
- 1Encouraging Reconciliation: It is often used in the imperative or as a suggestion, urging others to make peace.
Can't you two just bury the hatchet? This has gone on for far too long.
bury the hatchet for resolving a very recent or minor argument. If you and a colleague disagree in a meeting and then agree on a solution an hour later, you wouldn't say you buried the hatchet. You would say you found a compromise or worked it out.Common Mistakes
- 1Incorrect Articles and Plurals (The #1 Error)
- Mistake:
*The departments are at a loggerhead. - Mistake:
*Let's bury our hatchet. - Correction:
The departments are at loggerheads.(Always plural, no article.) - Correction:
Let's bury the hatchet.(Alwaysthe, never a possessive ora.)
- 1Using the Wrong Verb Type
- Mistake:
*They often do at loggerheads. - Why it's wrong:
at loggerheadsdescribes a state, so it needs a state verb (be,remain). You can'tdoa state. - Correction:
They are often at loggerheads.
- 1Substituting Words
- Mistake:
*The managers were at opposing heads. - Mistake:
*It's time to inter the hatchet. - Why it's wrong: The exact words
at loggerheadsandbury the hatchetform the idiom. Changing any part of them dissolves the meaning. - Correction:
The managers were at loggerheads. - Correction:
It's time to bury the hatchet.
- 1Register Mismatch
- Awkward:
My son and I were at loggerheads over his bedtime.(Too formal. Better:We were arguing about his bedtime.) - Awkward:
We disagreed about lunch, but we buried the hatchet and ordered pizza.(Too dramatic. Better:We compromised and ordered pizza.)
Real Conversations
Observing how these idioms are used in authentic contexts reveals their versatility and true meaning. Notice the different levels of formality.
Context 1: Professional Work Email
> Subject: Urgent: Q3 Project Alignment
>
> Hi Team,
>
> It's clear that the product and marketing teams have been at loggerheads for weeks regarding the go-to-market strategy. This impasse is now threatening our launch date. We have a mandatory meeting scheduled for tomorrow at 9 AM to resolve these differences. Please come prepared to find a compromise.
Context 2: Casual Text Message
> you won't believe it. Maria and Chloe finally buried the hatchet. saw them having coffee together. after 5 years of drama lol
Context 3: News Media Report
> For the third consecutive month, the central bank and the finance ministry remain at loggerheads over interest rate policy, sparking fears of continued economic instability. The two sides seem unable to find common ground.
Context 4: Podcast Banter
> Host A: So, after you and I had that huge on-air argument last week... I think we need to tell the listeners we buried the hatchet.
> Host B: (Laughing) We did. We're good. No more fighting about whether pineapple belongs on pizza. The hatchet is deeply buried.
Quick FAQ
- Q: Can
at loggerheadsbe used to describe an internal conflict within one person? - A: No, it's strictly for external conflict. The idiom requires at least two opposing parties. An individual can be conflicted, but they cannot be
at loggerheads with themselves. You might say,I'm of two minds about itorI feel conflicted.
- Q: What is a
loggerheadanyway? Does the origin matter? - A: Historically, it was a heavy iron tool, but some theories link it to a type of turtle with a large head known for its aggressive bite. For you as a learner, the origin is pure trivia. The word
loggerheadsin the idiom has zero connection to its literal meaning today. Thinking about the origin will only confuse you.
- Q: Is
bury the hatchetalways a sincere action? - A: Usually, it implies a genuine reconciliation. However, at a C1 level, you can appreciate its use in a cynical or skeptical context. For example:
The politicians buried the hatchet for a photo opportunity, but everyone knows the conflict will resurface after the election.Here, it highlights a superficial or temporary peace.
- Q: If
bury the hatchetmeans to make peace, can I saydig up the hatchetto mean start a fight again? - A: This is an excellent question that shows advanced thinking. While
dig up the hatchetis a creative and perfectly understandable inversion, it is not a standard, established idiom in English. A native speaker might use it playfully, but the more common and natural idioms for reigniting a conflict arereopen old woundsor simplystart the fight all over again.
- Q: What are some good synonyms or alternatives?
- A: For
at loggerheads, you can useat an impasse,at a stalemate, orat odds.At oddsis slightly more general. Forbury the hatchet, common alternatives includemake peace,mend fences, or the more informallet bygones be bygones.Mend fencesis a particularly good synonym, also evoking an action to repair a damaged relationship.
Conjugating Conflict Idioms
| Idiom | Present | Past | Present Participle | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Bury the hatchet
|
buries the hatchet
|
buried the hatchet
|
burying the hatchet
|
Verb Phrase
|
|
Lock horns
|
locks horns
|
locked horns
|
locking horns
|
Verb Phrase
|
|
Patch things up
|
patches things up
|
patched things up
|
patching things up
|
Phrasal Verb
|
|
At loggerheads
|
is at loggerheads
|
was at loggerheads
|
being at loggerheads
|
Prepositional Phrase
|
|
Extend an olive branch
|
extends an olive branch
|
extended an olive branch
|
extending an olive branch
|
Verb Phrase
|
Meanings
A set of idiomatic expressions used to describe various stages of interpersonal or professional conflict and the subsequent process of reconciliation.
Persistent Disagreement
To be in a state of strong, often stubborn, disagreement with someone.
“The council and the mayor are at loggerheads over the new tax proposal.”
“Management and the union remain at loggerheads despite the mediation.”
Active Confrontation
To engage in a direct fight, argument, or competition.
“The two CEOs locked horns during the board meeting.”
“I don't want to lock horns with you over such a trivial matter.”
Reconciliation
To stop a conflict and become friendly again.
“It's time you two buried the hatchet and moved on.”
“They finally buried the hatchet after years of silence.”
Relationship Repair
To fix a damaged relationship or resolve a minor argument.
“They managed to patch things up after their big argument last night.”
“I'm trying to patch things up with my sister before the wedding.”
Peace Offering
To make a gesture of peace or reconciliation.
“He held out an olive branch by inviting her to lunch.”
“The company offered an olive branch in the form of a small bonus.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative (State)
|
Subject + be + at loggerheads
|
They are at loggerheads.
|
|
Negative (State)
|
Subject + be + not + at loggerheads
|
We aren't at loggerheads anymore.
|
|
Question (State)
|
Be + Subject + at loggerheads?
|
Are they still at loggerheads?
|
|
Affirmative (Action)
|
Subject + bury the hatchet
|
They buried the hatchet yesterday.
|
|
Negative (Action)
|
Subject + did not + bury the hatchet
|
They didn't bury the hatchet.
|
|
Question (Action)
|
Did + Subject + bury the hatchet?
|
Will they ever bury the hatchet?
|
|
Phrasal Variation
|
Subject + patch + Object + up
|
She patched the relationship up.
|
|
Metaphorical Object
|
Subject + extend + an olive branch
|
The boss extended an olive branch.
|
Formality Spectrum
The opposing factions have reached a formal reconciliation. (General reconciliation)
They have decided to bury the hatchet. (General reconciliation)
They finally patched things up. (General reconciliation)
They're cool now. (General reconciliation)
The Conflict Cycle
State of Disagreement
- At loggerheads Stuck in disagreement
- Bad blood Long-term ill will
Active Fighting
- Lock horns Direct confrontation
- At each other's throats Fighting fiercely
Resolution
- Bury the hatchet Make peace
- Patch things up Repair relationship
Intensity of Conflict Idioms
Choosing the Right Idiom
Are they currently fighting?
Is it a stalemate?
Idiom Origins
Nautical/Tools
- • At loggerheads
Historical/Cultural
- • Bury the hatchet
Nature/Ancient
- • Olive branch
Examples by Level
They are not friends now.
They stop the fight.
He says sorry to his friend.
They play together again.
They are at loggerheads about the game.
It is time to bury the hatchet.
They want to patch things up.
He gave her an olive branch.
The two countries are at loggerheads over the border.
After the argument, they finally buried the hatchet.
I hope they can patch things up before the party.
She extended an olive branch by offering to help.
The lawyers locked horns for hours in the courtroom.
Management and staff remain at loggerheads regarding the new policy.
He decided to bury the hatchet and invite his rival to the gala.
They are trying to patch things up after a very public fallout.
The administration is at loggerheads with the faculty over tenure reforms.
Despite their history, they chose to bury the hatchet for the greater good.
The CEO extended an olive branch to the disgruntled shareholders.
It's rare to see such fierce rivals lock horns so frequently in public.
The geopolitical rivals have been at loggerheads for decades, with no end in sight.
By offering a compromise, the mediator hoped the parties would finally bury the hatchet.
The sudden olive branch was viewed with skepticism by the opposing faction.
They have spent the better part of the year trying to patch up their fractured relationship.
Easily Confused
Both imply no progress, but 'at loggerheads' is about the people's disagreement, while 'deadlock' is about the situation.
Both mean moving on, but 'bury the hatchet' is an active peace-making, while 'let bygones be bygones' is a passive forgetting of the past.
They are very similar, but 'lock horns' sounds slightly more formal or literary, while 'butt heads' is very informal.
Common Mistakes
They are in loggerheads.
They are at loggerheads.
They bury the hatchet with.
They bury the hatchet.
They patch up.
They patch things up.
He gave an olive stick.
He extended an olive branch.
They are at loggerhead.
They are at loggerheads.
We locked the horns.
We locked horns.
They buried the axe.
They buried the hatchet.
They are at loggerheads to the plan.
They are at loggerheads over the plan.
He extended an olive branch to me.
He extended an olive branch.
They patched up things.
They patched things up.
The parties are in a loggerheads situation.
The parties are at loggerheads.
They have buried the hatchet since years.
They buried the hatchet years ago.
They locked horns over the olive branch.
They locked horns over the contract.
We are at loggerheads with each other.
We are at loggerheads.
Sentence Patterns
Despite being at loggerheads over ___, they managed to ___.
It's time to ___ and move forward.
The two parties have been ___ for ___.
By ___, she hoped to ___.
Real World Usage
The directors are at loggerheads over the merger.
Finally patched things up with my roommate!
The two nations have locked horns over trade tariffs.
I once had to extend an olive branch to a difficult client.
Let's just bury the hatchet for Thanksgiving.
Both parties are at loggerheads regarding the settlement amount.
Use 'At Loggerheads' for Stalemates
Don't Say 'Bury the Axe'
Olive Branch is Universal
Patching vs. Fixing
Smart Tips
Use 'at loggerheads' instead of 'fighting'. It sounds more objective and less emotional.
Use 'bury the hatchet' for long-term feuds and 'patch things up' for recent arguments.
Look for the verbs 'extend', 'offer', or 'hold out'. These are the most natural collocations.
Remember it's a separable phrasal verb, but 'things' almost always stays in the middle.
Pronunciation
Loggerheads Stress
The primary stress is on the first syllable: LOG-ger-heads.
Hatchet 't'
The 't' in hatchet is often a glottal stop in some British dialects, but clearly pronounced in standard American English.
Emphasis on the Idiom
They are AT LOGGERHEADS.
Conveys the intensity or frustration of the situation.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Remember: You 'bury' the weapon (hatchet) to stop the war, and you 'lock' horns like angry bulls.
Visual Association
Imagine two bulls with their horns stuck together (locking horns) and a person digging a hole in the garden to hide a small axe (burying the hatchet).
Rhyme
When you're at loggerheads, you're stuck in your beds; bury the hatchet, and peace you will catch it.
Story
Once, two kings were at loggerheads over a tiny island. They locked horns in a great battle for years. Finally, tired of the bad blood, one king extended an olive branch, and they buried the hatchet under an old oak tree.
Word Web
Challenge
Write a 3-sentence email to a 'rival' using at least two of these idioms to propose a truce.
Cultural Notes
The phrase 'bury the hatchet' is believed to come from an actual practice among the Iroquois Confederacy, where weapons were literally buried to symbolize peace.
The 'olive branch' as a symbol of peace dates back to ancient customs where it was offered to gods or enemies to signal a desire for peace.
'At loggerheads' has nautical origins, possibly referring to iron tools used to melt pitch, which were often held apart to prevent them from sticking together.
'Loggerheads' likely comes from the 17th century, where a 'loggerhead' was a heavy iron tool with a long handle and a bulbous end, used for heating pitch. If two people held these, they were in a dangerous, stuck position.
Conversation Starters
Have you ever been at loggerheads with a colleague? How did you resolve it?
Is it easy for you to bury the hatchet after a big argument?
In your country, what is the most common way to extend an olive branch?
Why do you think some people enjoy locking horns with others?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
They have been ___ loggerheads for weeks.
It's time to bury the ___ and be friends again.
Find and fix the mistake:
They are locking the horns over the new project.
They fixed their friendship after the fight.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
He ___ an olive branch to his rival.
'They are at loggerheads with the new rules.'
A: Are they still fighting? B: No, they finally ___.
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercisesThey have been ___ loggerheads for weeks.
It's time to bury the ___ and be friends again.
Find and fix the mistake:
They are locking the horns over the new project.
They fixed their friendship after the fight.
1. Olive branch, 2. Lock horns, 3. At loggerheads
He ___ an olive branch to his rival.
'They are at loggerheads with the new rules.'
A: Are they still fighting? B: No, they finally ___.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
12 exercisesMy boss and I were completely ___ on the project's direction.
After their huge argument, they decided to bury a hatchet.
Which sentence is correct?
Translate into English: 'Los dos equipos estaban en desacuerdo sobre el diseño final.'
Arrange these words into a sentence:
Match the scenarios with the conflict idiom that best describes them:
After the heated exchange, he offered to ___ and grab a drink.
We were burying a hatchet over who gets the last slice of pizza.
Choose the correct sentence:
Translate into English: 'Finalmente hicimos las paces después de esa terrible discusión.'
Arrange these words into a sentence:
Match the idiom to its typical situation:
Score: /12
FAQ (8)
Usually, no. `At loggerheads` implies a more serious, long-term disagreement or a stalemate. For small things, just say they 'disagree'.
It is neutral to informal. In a very formal legal document, you would use `reconcile` or `settle`, but in a business meeting, `bury the hatchet` is fine.
`Lock horns` is active and aggressive (like an argument), while `at loggerheads` is a state of being stuck in disagreement.
No, the idiom is fixed as `bury the hatchet`. Changing the words will make it sound incorrect to native speakers.
It comes from ancient Greek and Roman traditions, and is also found in the Bible (Noah's Ark), symbolizing peace and new beginnings.
No, it can be used for friends, family members, or even business partners who had a falling out.
Yes! It's a creative way to describe internal conflict. 'I am at loggerheads with myself over whether to take the job.'
`Bad blood` refers to long-standing feelings of hate or resentment between people. It often precedes being `at loggerheads`.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Estar a la greña / Enterrar el hacha de guerra
The 'loggerheads' metaphor is unique to English nautical history.
Être à couteaux tirés / Enterrer la hache de guerre
French metaphors for conflict often involve knives rather than 'loggerheads'.
Sich in den Haaren liegen / Das Kriegsbeil begraben
German focuses on hair-pulling for the state of disagreement.
犬猿の仲 (Ken'en no naka) / 和解する (Wakai suru)
Japanese uses animal metaphors (dog/monkey) instead of tools.
على طرفي نقيض (Ala tarfay naqid) / دفن الأحقاد (Dafn al-ahqad)
Arabic focuses on 'hatred' rather than a 'hatchet'.
针锋相对 (Zhēnfēngxiāngduì) / 化干戈为玉帛 (Huà gāngē wéi yùbó)
Chinese metaphors are much more ancient and involve silk and jade.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
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