fence-mending

American

[fens-men-ding] / ˈfɛnsˌmɛn dɪŋ /

noun

the practice of reestablishing or strengthening personal, business, or political contacts and relationships by conciliation or negotiation, as after a dispute, disagreement, or period of inactivity.

adjective

of, relating to, or promoting fence-mending.

Etymology

Origin of fence-mending

1940–45;

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

fence-mending

But after the harsh words from Ecowas and Senegal he may now have to engage in some serious fence-mending in West Africa.

From BBC ● Aug. 11, 2024

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen wrapped up a fence-mending visit to Beijing with no major agreements or breakthroughs in strained ties.

From Seattle Times ● Jul. 9, 2023

Mr. Sunak has set off on a grand fence-mending tour.

From New York Times ● Mar. 19, 2023

The fence-mending comes after a diplomatic spat over France losing to the U.S. a deal to sell submarines to Australia.

From Washington Times ● Nov. 11, 2021

The man glanced up, saw the blue uniforms worn by the three horsemen, and went peacefully on with his fence-mending.

From The Guns of Shiloh A Story of the Great Western Campaign by Altsheler, Joseph A. (Joseph Alexander)

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023