# squash the beef

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/squash-the-beef
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To resolve a grudge.

## Examples

- They decided to squash the beef and be friends again.
- After arguing for months about the project, the two coworkers finally sat down to squash the beef.
- Despite their long-standing rivalry, the two leaders eventually agreed to squash the beef in order to focus on the common goals of their organizations.

## Origin

From the noun beef, denoting a grudge or a dispute, with squash functioning as a verb of suppression. The term describes the resolution of an existing conflict.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.