# olive-branch

CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/olive-branch
Updated: 2026-07-29

## Definition

A sign or offer of peace, reconciliation, or goodwill.

For teachers: An offer of peace or a gesture of reconciliation, especially one made to end a quarrel or dispute; commonly "hold out" or "extend an olive branch".

## Examples

- She held out an olive branch and apologised first.
- After weeks of tension, the manager offered an olive branch by inviting the whole team to lunch.
- The minister's speech, presented as an olive branch to the opposition, was read by critics as a tactical pause rather than a genuine offer of peace.

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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.