Meaning & Explanation
The idiom “Bury the hatchet” means to end a conflict or argument and make peace with someone. It symbolizes letting go of past disagreements and starting fresh.
Hindi Equivalent:
“झगड़ा खत्म करके सुलह करना”
Literal Meaning: “To end a fight and reconcile”
Detailed Explanation
This phrase originates from Native American tradition, where tribes would literally bury their weapons (like hatchets) to mark the end of war. Today, it represents:
✔ Conflict Resolution: Actively choosing peace
✔ Forgiveness: Moving past grudges
✔ New Beginnings: Restoring broken relationships
Real-Life Examples
1. Family Disputes
- English: “After years of fighting, the brothers finally buried the hatchet.”
- Hindi: “सालों के झगड़े के बाद, भाइयों ने आखिरकार सुलह कर ली।”
2. Business Partners
- English: “The co-founders buried the hatchet and decided to work together again.”
- Hindi: “संस्थापकों ने अपने मतभेद भुलाकर फिर से साथ काम करने का फैसला किया।”
3. International Relations
- English: “The two countries buried the hatchet and signed a peace treaty.”
- Hindi: “दोनों देशों ने झगड़ा खत्म करके शांति समझौते पर हस्ताक्षर किए।”
Psychological & Social Insight
Why Reconciliation Matters:
✓ Reduces Stress: Holding grudges harms mental health
✓ Strengthens Bonds: Repaired relationships often grow stronger
✓ Promotes Growth: Lets people move forward positively
How to Bury the Hatchet:
✔ Open, honest communication
✔ Willingness to forgive
✔ Focus on the future, not past conflicts
Usage Tips
✔ Use when describing resolved conflicts
✔ Appropriate for personal and professional contexts
✔ Often appears with words like “finally,” “decided to,” or “agreed to”
Similar Expressions
| English | Hindi |
|---|---|
| “Make peace” | “शांति स्थापित करना” |
| “Turn over a new leaf” | “नई शुरुआत करना” |
| “Let bygones be bygones” | “बीती बातों को भूल जाना” |
Cultural Perspectives
- Native American: Literal practice of burying weapons
- Indian Tradition: Similar to “समझौता करना” (compromise)
- Global Diplomacy: Essential for conflict resolution worldwide
Reflection Questions:
- When have you “buried the hatchet” with someone?
- What helps people move past arguments?
- How can we encourage more reconciliation in society?