Olive branch
WordNet
noun
(1) Something offered to an adversary in the hope of obtaining peace
WiktionaryText
Etymology
With reference to classical myth, where the olivebranch was a symbol of peace and prosperity, merging with Biblical allusion to Genesis 8:11, where a dove returns to Noah's ark as a sign that the Flood is subsiding.
Noun
- A branch of an olive tree.
- Such a branch offered as an emblem of peace.
- Any symbol of peace, or peace offering to an adversary to show good will and in the hope of securing peace.
Quotations
- His remarks came after Britain offered a diplomatic olive branch to Iran earlier in the day to try to secure an early release of the prisoners. - The Observer, Iran snubs UK olive branch, 01/04/2007 http://observer.guardian.co.uk/world/story/0,,2047590,00.html
- I come bearing an olive branch in one hand, and the freedom fighter's gun in the other. Do not let the olive branch fall from my hand - Yasser Arafat