olive branch
A branch of an olive tree offered as an emblem of peaceA branch of an olive tree offered as an emblem of peace.
» I sent you an olive branch.
Meaning
3 sensesA branch of an olive tree offered as an emblem of peace.
Olivenzweig, Ölzweig, Olivenzweig
оли́вковая ве́твьolívkovaja vétvʹ, оли́вковая ве́твьolívkovaja vétvʹ
something offered to an adversary in the hope of obtaining peace
(figuratively)Any symbol of peace, or a peace offering to an adversary to show goodwill and in the hope of securing peace.
extend an olive branch
оли́вковая ве́твьolívkovaja vétvʹ
Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: A branch of an olive tree.
Examples
8 sentencesI sent you an olive branch.
I come bearing an olive branch.
We held out an olive branch.
I come offering an olive branch.
An olive branch symbolizes peace.
ruОливковая ветвь символизирует мир. — Hellerick
deEin Ölzweig symbolisiert den Frieden. — Waldelfe
Translations
6 languagesBy meaning 1
By meaning 1
Origin
The olive branch has been regarded as a symbol of peace since Ancient Greek times. For exaThe olive branch has been regarded as a symbol of peace since Ancient Greek times. For example, in Virgil’s Aeneid (written between 29 and 19 B.C.E.), Aeneas holds an olive branch and declares that it bears the following message: “The Trojans and their Chief / Bring holy peace; and beg the King’s relief.” The symbolism was strengthened by the reference in Genesis 8:11 of the Bible to Noah sending out a dove from the Ark which returns bearing an olive leaf in its beak, thus showing that the Great Flood is receding.
Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Forms
plural: olive branches| Singular | olive branch |
|---|---|
| Plural | olive branches |
regular
Synonyms
1 synonyms- something offered to an adversary in the hope of obtaining peace:peace offering