olive

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, out

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hold out/offer an olive branch

to do or say something in order to show that you want to end a disagreement with someone

Usage notes: An olive branch is traditionally a symbol of peace.

(often + to ) He held out an olive branch to the opposition by releasing 42 political prisoners.

See also: branch, hold, out