olive branch

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "olive branch" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a gesture of peace or reconciliation in a situation. For example, "In an attempt to make amends, John offered his brother an olive branch."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Extending the olive branch.

The New Yorker

Extend an olive branch.

Cornell University

"He'd expected an olive branch.

The New York Times - Books

New York : Olive Branch Press, 1996.

Stanford University

What happened to the olive branch ?

The Guardian

This was no wilting olive branch.

The New York Times

India rejected Mr. Balasingham's olive branch.

The New York Times

But boxing was an olive branch.

The Guardian - Sport

"That became 'my olive branch to Vince'".

The Guardian

Hiking with the kids at The Olive Branch.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It's important to stay friendly, extend an olive branch.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "olive branch" when you want to convey a gesture of peace or reconciliation, especially after a conflict or disagreement. It suggests a willingness to set aside differences and seek a harmonious resolution.

Common error

Avoid using "olive branch" to describe a superficial or insincere attempt at reconciliation. The phrase implies a genuine desire for peace, not just a token gesture.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "olive branch" primarily functions as a noun, often used attributively to describe a gesture or offering made with the intent of achieving peace or reconciliation. This is confirmed by Ludwig, which indicates it describes a symbol or action of peace. Examples in Ludwig show its use in contexts like "extending the "olive branch"" or "offered an "olive branch"".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "olive branch" is a noun phrase symbolizing peace and reconciliation, deeply rooted in historical and cultural significance. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and widely used. Its function is to signal an attempt to restore friendly relations after a disagreement or conflict. The examples from Ludwig's sources show it's frequently used in News & Media, Academia, and Formal & Business contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure the gesture it describes is sincere and reflects a genuine desire for peace. Alternatives include "peace offering" and "gesture of reconciliation", but "olive branch" carries a unique weight due to its historical connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

peace offering

A more direct synonym for an offer intended to restore peace.

gesture of reconciliation

Emphasizes the act of restoring friendly relations.

overture of peace

A formal and somewhat literary way to describe an initial proposal for peace.

conciliatory move

Highlights the action taken to appease or reconcile.

attempt to reconcile

Focuses on the effort made to bring two parties back together.

peace proposal

A suggestion or plan aimed at ending conflict.

friendly approach

A less formal way of describing an attempt to be amicable.

reaching out in peace

Emphasizes the act of extending contact with peaceful intentions.

making amends

Focuses on correcting past wrongs to restore a relationship.

seeking rapprochement

A formal term for establishing or resuming cordial relations.

FAQs

How to use "olive branch" in a sentence?

You can use "olive branch" to describe a gesture of peace or reconciliation. For example, "After the heated debate, she extended an "olive branch" by inviting him for coffee." It can also be used figuratively to describe any peace offering.

What can I say instead of "olive branch"?

You can use alternatives like "peace offering", "gesture of reconciliation", or "conciliatory move" depending on the context.

What is the origin of the phrase "olive branch"?

The phrase "olive branch" originates from ancient Greek and Roman traditions, where an olive branch was a symbol of peace and victory, often offered to enemies as a sign of surrender or a desire for truce.

Is it appropriate to use "olive branch" in formal writing?

Yes, "olive branch" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing diplomatic efforts, conflict resolution, or attempts to reconcile differences. It adds a layer of historical and symbolic meaning to the text.