fence-mending

American  

[fens-men-ding] / ˈfɛnsˌmɛn dɪŋ /

noun

1. 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.

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adjective

1. of, relating to, or promoting fence-mending.

Etymology

Origin of fence-mending

1940–45;

Example Sentences

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

“There has clearly been fence-mending, and the unifying factor is the regional security environment.”

From Washington Times • Aug. 17, 2023

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

From New York Times • Mar. 19, 2023

Yet, they do have one advantage over their colleagues in the House: Senators hold six-year terms, which gives them time to engage in fence-mending to repair the damage from unpopular decisions.

From Textbooks • Jul. 28, 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)