olive branch

[ol-iv branch]

noun

1. a branch of the olive tree as an emblem of peace.

   One of their national emblems is a white dove clutching the olive branch of peace.

2. any token of peace.

   The new prime minister has pursued a reconciliation strategy, extending an olive branch to dissidents and rebel groups.

   Still in a snit, she snubbed his olive branch a few days later by blocking his phone call.

olive branch

noun

1. a branch of an olive tree used to symbolize peace

2. any offering of peace or conciliation

olive branch

1. The branch brought by a dove to Noah's ark signifying that the flood was receding.

An olive branch is now regarded as a sign of peace, as is the dove. (See hawks and doves.)

Word History and Origins

Origin of olive branch¹

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English

Idioms and Phrases

A symbol of peace, an offering of good will, as in They feuded for years, but finally the Hatfields came over bearing an olive branch. This term is alluded to in the Bible (Genesis 8:11), where the dove comes to Noah after the flood with an olive leaf in its mouth. [c. 1600]

Example Sentences

But even this olive branch might not be enough to satisfy customers.

From Salon

If he did, he might reach out to adversaries with an olive branch, instead of military invasion.

From Salon

The MP warned: ''Many Labour colleagues fear that with the economy under strain, ministers may be tempted to drag their feet on implementation as an olive branch to business.''

From BBC

More than two decades later, this week’s practices are a homecoming for Harbaugh, but it’s not an olive branch for the Chargers organization, he insisted.

From Los Angeles Times

On Thursday, bonfire builders voluntarily removed tiers of pallets from the top of the bonfire and told BBC News NI the action was an "olive branch" to those concerned.

From BBC

Related Words

• overture