an/the olive branch



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an/the olive branch

A symbol, expression, or gesture of peace, reconciliation, truce, etc. Used most commonly in the phrase "hold out/offer (someone) an/the olive branch." The conservatives in Congress seem to be offering the olive branch to Democrats on the issue of raising the debt ceiling. If you find yourself in a spat with a friend, try to be the bigger person and be the one to hold out the olive branch.
See also: branch, olive

Common Names:

NameGenderPronouncedUsage
JinnyJIN-eeEnglish
RylanRIE-lənEnglish (Modern)
Helgi-Ancient Scandinavian
Ermis-Greek
Mayes[meiz]
Thurston['θə:stən]