Meaning of olive branch | Babel Free

Definitions

1. A branch of an olive tree offered as an emblem of peace.
2. Any symbol of peace, or a peace offering to an adversary to show goodwill and in the hope of securing peace.
   figuratively
3. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: A branch of an olive tree.

Equivalents

Examples

“I appeal to you to enable our people to establish national independent sovereignty over its own land. / Today I have come bearing an olive branch and a freedom-fighter's gun. Do not let the olive branch fall from my hand. I repeat: do not let the olive branch fall from my hand. / War flares up in Palestine, and yet it is in Palestine that peace will be born.”

“extend an olive branch”

“His [George W. Bush's] remarks came after Britain offered a diplomatic olive branch to Iran earlier in the day to try to secure an early release of the prisoners.”

“On immigration in particular, the change of tone was jarring, even from within the speech itself. Amidst warning of the threats posed by illegal immigration to jobs and safety, the president [Donald Trump] seemingly extended an olive branch to his opponents.”

“Beijing has offered some olive branches. On Thursday, a spokeswoman for the Chinese Ministry of Commerce said China would welcome a visit from U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, in response to Ms. Yellen’s statement earlier this week that she still hoped to go.”

“Mr. Ramaphosa entered the meeting seemingly optimistic about maintaining a cordial conversation with Mr. Trump. He offered olive branches to Mr. Trump, including a book about golf. He complimented Mr. Trump’s décor in the Oval Office.”

CEFR level