mend fences
To repair damage to a friendship or relationship after a disagreement or other mishap.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“They talked for hours to mend fences after their argument.”
“After years of silence, the two brothers finally met for coffee to mend fences.”
“Recognizing that their long-standing professional rivalry hindered progress, the two executives decided to mend fences and collaborate on the new project.”
- 01
fence in
To restrict freedom.
- 02
fence the tables
To make a solemn address to those who present themselves to commune at the Lord's Supper, on the feelings appropriate to the service, in order to hinder, so far as possible, those who are unworthy from approaching the table.
- 03
hell mend someone
Expressing exasperation at someone whose behavior is likely to result in trouble but who will not heed warnings.
- 04
homely as a hedge fence
Having no physically attractive characteristics, but not blatantly ugly; very plain in appearance.
- 05
make a Virginia fence
To walk in a unstable manner due to being intoxicated.
- 06
make do and mend
Generally, to repair and reuse.
- 07
mend one's ways
To recognise one's failings and attempt to remedy them.
- 08
mud fence
Something proverbially unattractive or ugly.
Last updated August 10, 2026