In 15 Seconds
- End a serious argument and make peace.
- Originates from Indigenous American peace rituals.
- Symbolizes burying weapons and past conflicts.
- Use it for significant disagreements, not minor spats.
Meaning
When you `bury the hatchet`, it means you're officially putting an end to a conflict or argument with someone. It's about letting go of past grudges and agreeing to move forward, often by becoming friends or at least civil again. Think of it as a formal peace treaty between two people.
Key Examples
3 of 12Texting a friend after a disagreement
Hey, I'm really sorry about our argument last week. Can we `bury the hatchet` and grab pizza this weekend?
Hey, I'm really sorry about our argument last week. Can we end our disagreement and grab pizza this weekend?
Instagram caption about reconciliation
So glad my sister and I could finally `bury the hatchet` after that huge fight over the holidays. Family is everything! ❤️ #Reunited #Peace
So glad my sister and I could finally end our disagreement after that huge fight over the holidays. Family is everything! ❤️ #Reunited #Peace
Workplace discussion about team conflict
The marketing and sales teams had some serious friction, but they've agreed to `bury the hatchet` and collaborate more effectively.
The marketing and sales teams had some serious friction, but they've agreed to end their conflict and collaborate more effectively.
Cultural Background
The phrase `bury the hatchet` originates from the peace-making rituals of various Indigenous North American tribes, most notably the Iroquois Confederacy. When tribes sought to establish peace, they would symbolically bury their weapons, including hatchets, underground. This act represented a formal cessation of hostilities and a commitment to peaceful coexistence. The enduring presence of this idiom highlights the profound impact of these historical peace-making traditions on global language and culture.
Focus on the 'Action'
Remember, `bury the hatchet` implies an active decision and often a specific action or conversation to end the conflict. It's not passive forgetting.
Avoid Trivializing Conflict
Don't use `bury the hatchet` for minor annoyances like a friend being late once. It diminishes the phrase's power and can sound silly.
In 15 Seconds
- End a serious argument and make peace.
- Originates from Indigenous American peace rituals.
- Symbolizes burying weapons and past conflicts.
- Use it for significant disagreements, not minor spats.
What It Means
Ever had a big fight with someone? You know, the kind where you both stormed off and maybe unfriended each other on social media? To bury the hatchet means you've decided to stop fighting. You're putting that disagreement behind you. It’s like saying, “Okay, that was rough, but let’s be friends again.” It implies a conscious decision to end hostility and seek reconciliation. It’s not just forgetting; it’s actively choosing peace over conflict. It's a powerful way to signal you're ready to move on from a feud.
Origin Story
This phrase has some seriously old roots! It comes from Indigenous American traditions, particularly from the Iroquois Confederacy. Back in the day, when different tribes wanted to make peace, they would literally bury their weapons, including hatchets, as a symbolic act. This meant they were laying down their arms and ending warfare. Imagine a whole ceremony where everyone digs a big hole and tosses their tomahawks in! It was a powerful visual pledge of peace. So, when you bury the hatchet, you're echoing this ancient ritual of disarmament and reconciliation. Pretty cool, right? It’s a testament to how ancient customs can shape our modern language. It really makes you think about the history behind everyday words.
How To Use It
You use bury the hatchet when two or more people have had a serious disagreement. They have decided to stop arguing and be friendly again. It’s often used after a significant period of conflict. You can say it about yourself and someone else, or about two other people. For example, "After years of not speaking, Sarah and Mark finally decided to bury the hatchet." It’s a statement of resolution. You can also use it as a suggestion: "Why don't you two bury the hatchet?"
Real-Life Examples
- Social Media Post: "After that huge online debate, I'm glad my friend and I could
bury the hatchetand grab coffee IRL. ☕️ #FriendshipGoals #PeaceTreaty" - Text Message: "Hey, sorry about our argument last week. Wanna
bury the hatchetand watch that new movie Friday?" - Work Meeting: "The team had some disagreements, but we managed to
bury the hatchetand agree on the project plan." - Family Gathering: "It's Thanksgiving! Time for Grandma and Uncle Bob to
bury the hatchetafter their gardening feud." - Blog Post: "My latest vlog is all about how I learned to
bury the hatchetwith my ex after a messy breakup. Link in bio!"
When To Use It
Use bury the hatchet when you want to signal a final end to a dispute. It's perfect for situations where there was a real argument or conflict. Think about siblings who fought over chores for months. Or maybe colleagues who clashed over a work project. It works well when you want to emphasize the act of reconciliation. It’s also great when you're talking about past conflicts that are now resolved. It adds a sense of historical weight to the peace.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use bury the hatchet for minor disagreements. If you and your barista disagreed about oat milk vs. almond milk, you probably didn't need to bury the hatchet. It’s too strong for everyday, small spats. Also, avoid it if the conflict isn't actually resolved. Saying you'll bury the hatchet when you still secretly resent the other person is disingenuous. It's not for casual apologies either. It implies a deeper, more significant reconciliation. It's not a substitute for a simple "sorry."
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes overuse this phrase for trivial matters. They might say, "I dropped my keys, but I buried the hatchet with the floor." That’s not quite right! The floor doesn't hold grudges. Another mistake is using it when the conflict is ongoing. Someone might text, "We're still arguing, but we're going to bury the hatchet later." This sounds contradictory. The act of burying the hatchet implies the argument is *already* over. It's about the resolution, not the plan to resolve.
✗ I accidentally deleted your file, but I buried the hatchet with the computer.
✓ I accidentally deleted your file, but I finally forgave myself after a long time.
✗ We're still fighting, but we will bury the hatchet tomorrow.
✓ We're still fighting, but we hope to reconcile tomorrow.
Similar Expressions
Make peace: This is a direct synonym. It clearly states the intention to end conflict.Call a truce: Similar tobury the hatchet, but often implies a temporary pause in fighting.Let bygones be bygones: This emphasizes forgetting past offenses and moving on.Kiss and make up: Usually used for romantic partners or close friends after a small spat.Settle differences: A more formal way to say you've resolved disagreements.
Memory Trick
Picture a Native American warrior digging a hole. He takes out his sharp, pointy hatchet (a small axe) and throws it into the ground. He then covers it up with dirt. This act symbolizes burying the weapon and, therefore, burying the conflict. Every time you see a hatchet, think of burying that anger and making peace. It’s a very visual and historical image!
Quick FAQ
- Is it always about a big fight? Usually, yes. It implies a significant conflict, not just a minor disagreement.
- Can I use it for myself? Absolutely! You can say, "I decided to
bury the hatchetwith my neighbor." - Does it mean you have to be best friends again? Not necessarily. It means the conflict is over, but the level of friendship can vary.
Usage Notes
This idiom is generally informal and best used when discussing significant disagreements that have been resolved. Avoid using it for minor squabbles or in highly formal professional settings where more direct language like 'resolve differences' would be preferred. Ensure the conflict being referenced is actually over, as using it prematurely can undermine the message of reconciliation.
Focus on the 'Action'
Remember, `bury the hatchet` implies an active decision and often a specific action or conversation to end the conflict. It's not passive forgetting.
Avoid Trivializing Conflict
Don't use `bury the hatchet` for minor annoyances like a friend being late once. It diminishes the phrase's power and can sound silly.
Think Ancient Rituals
Visualizing warriors literally burying weapons helps recall the phrase's origin and its meaning of permanent peace.
Echoes of Indigenous History
This phrase is a beautiful linguistic artifact. Using it acknowledges a historical peace-making tradition from North American Indigenous cultures.
Examples
12Hey, I'm really sorry about our argument last week. Can we `bury the hatchet` and grab pizza this weekend?
Hey, I'm really sorry about our argument last week. Can we end our disagreement and grab pizza this weekend?
Shows a direct apology and a proposal to resolve the conflict.
So glad my sister and I could finally `bury the hatchet` after that huge fight over the holidays. Family is everything! ❤️ #Reunited #Peace
So glad my sister and I could finally end our disagreement after that huge fight over the holidays. Family is everything! ❤️ #Reunited #Peace
Used on social media to announce the resolution of a family feud.
The marketing and sales teams had some serious friction, but they've agreed to `bury the hatchet` and collaborate more effectively.
The marketing and sales teams had some serious friction, but they've agreed to end their conflict and collaborate more effectively.
Highlights a professional context where a significant conflict has been resolved.
Remember how Liam and Chloe used to fight all the time? Yeah, they finally `buried the hatchet` last month.
Remember how Liam and Chloe used to fight all the time? Yeah, they finally ended their conflict last month.
Used to describe a past event where two people resolved their differences.
My cat and the vacuum cleaner have a long-standing feud, but I think today, they might finally `bury the hatchet`... or at least tolerate each other for five minutes.
My cat and the vacuum cleaner have a long-standing feud, but I think today, they might finally end their conflict... or at least tolerate each other for five minutes.
A lighthearted, exaggerated use of the phrase for comedic effect.
I believe the disagreement during the project meeting was a misunderstanding, and I'm confident we can `bury the hatchet` and move forward productively.
I believe the disagreement during the project meeting was a misunderstanding, and I'm confident we can end our conflict and move forward productively.
Used in a professional setting to de-escalate a past conflict and focus on future collaboration.
✗ I accidentally spilled coffee on my shirt, but I `buried the hatchet` with the stain.
✗ I accidentally spilled coffee on my shirt, but I ended my conflict with the stain.
This phrase is too strong for inanimate objects or very minor, non-personal issues.
✗ We're still arguing, but we'll `bury the hatchet` eventually.
✗ We're still arguing, but we'll end our conflict eventually.
The phrase implies the conflict is *already* resolved, not that it will be resolved in the future.
In today's video, we're talking about how couples can `bury the hatchet` after a big fight and strengthen their bond.
In today's video, we're talking about how couples can end a big fight and strengthen their bond.
Used in content creation (like vlogging) to discuss relationship dynamics.
After years of tension, the two nations finally decided to `bury the hatchet` and sign a peace treaty.
After years of tension, the two nations finally decided to end their conflict and sign a peace treaty.
Applies to larger-scale conflicts between groups or nations, emphasizing formal resolution.
You two have been ignoring each other for ages. It's time to `bury the hatchet`!
You two have been ignoring each other for ages. It's time to end your conflict!
Used as encouragement or advice for others to resolve their differences.
I realized holding onto that grudge wasn't healthy, so I reached out and we finally `buried the hatchet`.
I realized holding onto that grudge wasn't healthy, so I reached out and we finally ended our conflict.
Emphasizes the personal decision and action taken to achieve reconciliation.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase.
The idiom is 'bury the hatchet', meaning to end a conflict.
Choose the sentence that uses 'bury the hatchet' correctly.
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly?
Option C correctly uses 'bury the hatchet' to describe the resolution of a long-standing conflict between people. Option A is too informal for a boss unless the relationship is already very friendly. Option B uses it for a minor issue. Option D is a literal, nonsensical interpretation.
Find and fix the error in the sentence.
There is no error in this sentence; it correctly uses the idiom 'bury the hatchet' to mean ending a conflict.
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase.
The phrase 'bury the hatchet' specifically means to end a conflict and make peace, fitting the context of stopping an argument.
Put the words in the correct order to form a sentence.
This sentence uses the idiom 'bury the hatchet' to mean ending a conflict.
Find and fix the error in the sentence.
The correct idiom is 'bury the hatchet', not 'bury the sword'. The hatchet symbolizes weapons and conflict in this context.
Choose the correct option.
What does it mean to 'bury the hatchet'?
The phrase 'bury the hatchet' is an idiom that means to make peace and end a conflict.
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase.
This phrase signifies the resolution of a long-term conflict or feud.
Find and fix the error in the sentence.
Since the sentence refers to a past action ('I think it's time we...'), the past tense 'buried' is more appropriate here to indicate the completion of the act of reconciliation.
Put the words in the correct order to form a sentence.
This sentence suggests making peace with a friend after a disagreement.
Choose the sentence that uses 'bury the hatchet' most appropriately.
Which sentence best captures the meaning of 'bury the hatchet'?
Option B accurately reflects the idiom's meaning of ending a significant conflict. Option A trivializes it. Option C is literal. Option D is a command, but 'bury the hatchet' implies a more considered resolution rather than an immediate stop.
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase.
This idiom means to end a conflict and make peace, which fits the context of people who haven't spoken for years.
🎉 Score: /12
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Spectrum for 'Bury the Hatchet'
Used among close friends or family for significant disputes.
Okay, let's bury the hatchet after that huge fight.
Common in everyday conversation for resolving disagreements.
They finally decided to bury the hatchet.
Can be used in semi-formal settings if the context implies a personal conflict resolution.
The team members managed to bury the hatchet before the deadline.
Generally avoided in highly formal or professional writing/speech.
Formal diplomatic language would use 'resolve differences' instead.
When to 'Bury the Hatchet'
Family feud
Siblings finally burying the hatchet after years.
Friendship dispute
Friends deciding to bury the hatchet over a misunderstanding.
Workplace disagreement
Colleagues burying the hatchet to finish a project.
Neighborly conflict
Neighbors burying the hatchet about property lines.
Past relationship issues
Exes burying the hatchet for the sake of children.
Community dispute
Town members burying the hatchet over local issues.
Comparing 'Bury the Hatchet' with Similar Phrases
Contexts for 'Bury the Hatchet'
Personal Relationships
- • Ending a fight with a best friend
- • Reconciling with a sibling
- • Making up with a partner
Professional Settings
- • Resolving team conflicts
- • Ending rivalries between departments
- • Settling disputes with clients (carefully)
Historical/Cultural
- • Indigenous peace treaties
- • National reconciliation efforts
- • Symbolic end to wars
Humorous/Exaggerated
- • Cat and dog burying the hatchet
- • Two characters in a sitcom resolving issues
- • Self-deprecating use for minor annoyances
Practice Bank
12 exercisesAfter their big argument, the siblings decided to ___ the hatchet.
The idiom is 'bury the hatchet', meaning to end a conflict.
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly?
Option C correctly uses 'bury the hatchet' to describe the resolution of a long-standing conflict between people. Option A is too informal for a boss unless the relationship is already very friendly. Option B uses it for a minor issue. Option D is a literal, nonsensical interpretation.
Find and fix the mistake:
We had a huge fight last year, but we finally decided to bury the hatchet yesterday.
There is no error in this sentence; it correctly uses the idiom 'bury the hatchet' to mean ending a conflict.
It's time for you two to stop arguing and finally ___.
The phrase 'bury the hatchet' specifically means to end a conflict and make peace, fitting the context of stopping an argument.
Arrange the words in the correct order:
Click words above to build the sentence
This sentence uses the idiom 'bury the hatchet' to mean ending a conflict.
Find and fix the mistake:
After their intense rivalry, the two companies agreed to bury the sword and cooperate.
The correct idiom is 'bury the hatchet', not 'bury the sword'. The hatchet symbolizes weapons and conflict in this context.
What does it mean to 'bury the hatchet'?
The phrase 'bury the hatchet' is an idiom that means to make peace and end a conflict.
It took them years, but they finally ___.
This phrase signifies the resolution of a long-term conflict or feud.
Find and fix the mistake:
I think it's time we bury the hatchet with our neighbours about the fence.
Since the sentence refers to a past action ('I think it's time we...'), the past tense 'buried' is more appropriate here to indicate the completion of the act of reconciliation.
Arrange the words in the correct order:
Click words above to build the sentence
This sentence suggests making peace with a friend after a disagreement.
Which sentence best captures the meaning of 'bury the hatchet'?
Option B accurately reflects the idiom's meaning of ending a significant conflict. Option A trivializes it. Option C is literal. Option D is a command, but 'bury the hatchet' implies a more considered resolution rather than an immediate stop.
After years of not talking, they decided to ___.
This idiom means to end a conflict and make peace, which fits the context of people who haven't spoken for years.
🎉 Score: /12
Video Tutorials
Find video tutorials on YouTube for this phrase.
Frequently Asked Questions
18 questionsLiterally, it refers to the historical practice of burying weapons, like hatchets, as a symbol of ending conflict and making peace. This ancient ritual comes from Indigenous North American traditions, particularly the Iroquois Confederacy.
The practice dates back centuries among Indigenous tribes. The idiom likely entered common English usage in the 19th century, reflecting the cultural exchange and influence of these peace-making traditions.
It's generally considered informal to neutral. You'd use it talking with friends, family, or colleagues you know well. It's usually too casual for very formal business proposals or official diplomatic statements.
It's best reserved for more significant disagreements or conflicts that have lasted a while. Using it for minor spat, like disagreeing about movie choices, might sound overly dramatic or even humorous.
'Bury the hatchet' often implies a more active decision or conversation to end the conflict, like a peace treaty. 'Let bygones be bygones' focuses more on the act of forgetting past offenses without necessarily requiring a formal reconciliation.
Not necessarily. It signifies that the active conflict or hostility has ended. The relationship might return to being friendly, civil, or simply neutral, but the feud is over.
Yes, but carefully. It works best when referring to resolving significant disagreements between colleagues or teams that have impacted productivity. Avoid it for minor workplace issues or in highly formal reports.
A common mistake is using it for trivial matters or inanimate objects, like 'burying the hatchet with my computer.' Another error is using it to describe an ongoing conflict rather than a resolved one.
While 'bury the hatchet' is still used on social media (often with hashtags like #Peace), modern slang might include phrases like 'squash the beef' or simply 'all good now' depending on the context and audience.
It comes from Indigenous American traditions where tribes would literally bury weapons like hatchets as a symbolic act to signify the end of warfare and the establishment of peace between groups.
Understanding its origin emphasizes the seriousness of the act – it's about establishing lasting peace after conflict. This historical weight makes it suitable for significant reconciliations, not just fleeting apologies.
Absolutely! You can use it in the first person ('I decided to bury the hatchet with my neighbor') or second person ('You two need to bury the hatchet'). It's versatile for describing reconciliation between any parties.
You can respond by acknowledging their desire for peace but stating you need more time. For example, 'I appreciate that, but I'm still processing things. Maybe later.'
The phrase itself is widely understood across English-speaking regions. While specific dialects might have unique ways of expressing reconciliation, 'bury the hatchet' remains a standard and recognized idiom globally.
There isn't one single perfect antonym, but phrases like 'keep the feud alive,' 'hold a grudge,' or 'reopen old wounds' convey the opposite sentiment of continuing or reviving conflict.
Yes, it can be used sarcastically if someone is making a big deal out of a tiny issue. For example, 'Oh, you forgot to pass the salt? Quick, let's bury the hatchet before this escalates!'
No, the 'hatchet' is symbolic. It represents the weapon used in conflict. The phrase refers to burying the conflict itself, not an actual object.
'Kiss and make up' is typically used for romantic partners or very close friends after a minor spat, often implying a more affectionate reconciliation. 'Bury the hatchet' is broader and can apply to more serious or prolonged conflicts.
Related Phrases
let bygones be bygones
synonymTo forgive and forget past offenses.
Both phrases encourage moving past disagreements, but 'bury the hatchet' often implies a more active resolution of conflict.
call a truce
related topicTo agree to stop fighting or arguing, usually for a period.
'Bury the hatchet' implies a more permanent end to conflict, whereas 'call a truce' can suggest a temporary pause.
make peace
synonymTo end a conflict and establish friendly relations.
This is a very direct synonym, often used interchangeably with 'bury the hatchet' to signify the end of hostilities.
settle differences
formal versionTo resolve disagreements or disputes between people.
'Settle differences' is a more formal and less idiomatic way to express the same idea of resolving conflicts.
squash the beef
informal versionTo end a conflict or argument, especially among friends (informal slang).
This is a modern, very informal slang term that serves a similar purpose to 'bury the hatchet' in resolving disputes.
hold a grudge
antonymTo maintain feelings of ill will or resentment towards someone.
This phrase represents the opposite of 'burying the hatchet,' as it signifies continuing conflict rather than resolving it.
