bury the hatchet
/ˈbɛri ðə ˈhætʃɪt/
Meaning
This expression means to make peace, end a conflict, or settle a long-standing argument with someone. It is often used when two people or groups decide to forget past disagreements and become friendly again. The tone is generally positive, encouraging, or reflective.
Examples
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After not speaking for three years, my brother and I finally decided to bury the hatchet.
After not speaking for three years, my brother and I finally decided to bury the hatchet.
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I think it's time you two buried the hatchet and worked together on this project.
I think it's time you two buried the hatchet and worked together on this project.
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They used to be bitter rivals in college, but they buried the hatchet once they started working at the same firm.
They used to be bitter rivals in college, but they buried the hatchet once they started working at the same firm.
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We had a huge argument last week, but we buried the hatchet over a cup of coffee this morning.
We had a huge argument last week, but we buried the hatchet over a cup of coffee this morning.
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Life is too short to hold grudges, so I'm glad they finally buried the hatchet.
Life is too short to hold grudges, so I'm glad they finally buried the hatchet.
Common Mistakes
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✗ We buried the hatchet and became enemies again.
✓ We buried the hatchet and became friends again.
"Bury the hatchet" means to end a conflict and make peace, not to start a new argument or remain enemies.
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✗ They decided to bury their hatchets.
✓ They decided to bury the hatchet.
The idiom is fixed as "bury the hatchet" (singular). Changing the article to a possessive pronoun or pluralizing "hatchet" sounds unnatural.
Related Expressions
Practice
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They had a falling out years ago, but they finally decided to ___ last night.
💡 To make peace after a long argument.
Show answer
bury the hatchet
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Instead of holding a grudge, you should just ___ and move on.
💡 Stop fighting and resolve the conflict.
Show answer
bury the hatchet