People & relationships

Hold out an olive branch

To make an offer of peace to end an argument or disagreement.

Examples

  • After the fight, Jake held out an olive branch and invited his friend for coffee.
  • The company held out an olive branch to unhappy customers with a discount.

How to use it

Neutral, also used in news reports. You can also "offer" or "extend" an olive branch.

Where it comes from

The olive branch was a sign of peace in ancient Greece and Rome, and in the Bible a dove brings one back to Noah.