Bury the Hatchet: A Guide to Making Peace

What Does "Bury the Hatchet" Mean?

American Dictionary

To agree to end a disagreement that has divided two people or groups.

English Idiom

To make peace. The phrase alludes to the practice of putting away a hatchet, either figuratively or literally.

Origins of the Phrase

The figurative expression "burying the hatchet" originated as an American Indian tradition. Chiefs of tribes would bury hatchets to symbolize the end of fighting and the beginning of peace.

Meaning of "Bury the Hatchet" Today

When people "bury the hatchet," they agree to:

• Stop fighting or arguing
• End old resentments
• Make peace and end a quarrel
• Settle their differences

The action of "burying the hatchet" signifies a willingness to forget the past and move forward in a positive way.