The two countries decided to take up the hatchet.
take up the hatchet
idiomTo declare war or go to war.
Origin
disputed originReferring to Native Americans' use of the tomahawk.
After years of failed peace talks, the neighboring kingdoms finally decided to take up the hatchet and begin the invasion.
The fragile treaty collapsed when the rebels chose to take up the hatchet, signaling an end to the brief period of uneasy calm.
- 01
bury the hatchet
To cease fighting or arguing; to reach an agreement, or at least a truce.
- 02
cross to take up
Alternative form of cross to bear.
- 03
forget to take one's medication this morning
To be annoyed or irritable, or to behave in an ill-mannered way, particularly in the morning.
- 04
give and take
A process of compromise or accommodation.
- 05
give someone an inch and someone will take a mile
Alternative form of give them an inch and they'll take a mile.
- 06
hatchet man
A male who carries out brutal and unpleasant duties on behalf of another, such as firing dead wood employees.
- 07
I take it
Used to express one's understanding of another's position.
- 08
kick ass and take names
To beat someone in a competition, fight, or other situation.