Examkin

Question

Difficulty: EasyIdioms and Idiomatic Expressions

After several years of intense rivalry over the control of the family business, the two brothers finally decided to bury the hatchet and work together. What is the meaning of the underlined idiomatic expression?

  1. make peace and end their conflictAnswer
  2. B
    dig up and dispose of an old sharp weapon
  3. C
    sell off all their physical assets
  4. D
    retire permanently from commercial activities

Answer

The expression 'bury the hatchet' means to make peace and end a conflict.
The idiomatic phrase 'bury the hatchet' originates from a traditional practice of burying weapons to symbolize the end of hostilities. In modern English, it means to reconcile, resolve a disagreement, and make peace.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence
The sentence describes two brothers who had an intense rivalry but decided to resolve it and work together.
Context clues help determine the figurative meaning of the idiom.
2
Identify the figurative meaning of 'bury the hatchet'
Historically and figuratively, 'burying the hatchet' signifies ending hostility or declaring peace.
Idioms cannot be understood literally; their established figurative meaning must be applied.

Key Concept

Understanding Idiomatic Expressions
Rate this question

Topics

Idioms and Idiomatic Expressions

More questions from this topic