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?