branch (redirected from branching)

branch off (from something)

to separate off from something; to divide away from something. A small stream branched off from the main channel. An irrigation ditch branched off here and there.

branch out (from something)

1. Lit. [for a branch] to grow out of a branch or trunk. (Having to do with plants and trees.) A twig branched out of the main limb and grew straight up. The bush branched out from the base.

2. Fig. to expand away from something; to diversify away from narrower interests. The speaker branched out from her prepared remarks. The topic was very broad, and she was free to branch out.

See also: out

branch out (into something)

Fig. to diversify and go into new areas. I have decided to branch out into some new projects. Business was very good, so I decided to branch out.

See also: out

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: hold, olive, 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: hold, olive, out

root and branch  (formal)

if something is changed or removed root and branch, it is changed or removed completely because it is bad Racism must be eliminated, root and branch. (formal)

See also: and, root

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branch out also branch off

to become involved in a wider range of activities Women are branching out into leadership roles at many levels in the army.

Etymology: based on the literal meaning of branch (the part of a tree that grows out from the main part)

See also: out