Definition
橄榄枝 literally means 'olive branch' but is used metaphorically to refer to a gesture or offer of peace, goodwill, or reconciliation — derived from the biblical story of Noah's dove returning with an olive branch. In modern Chinese, you see it most often in political or diplomatic contexts, such as '伸出橄榄枝' (extend an olive branch). Unlike its English counterpart, the Chinese phrase is almost always used figuratively rather than referring to the actual plant.
n.
(figurative) olive branch — a symbol or gesture of peace and reconciliation
Examples
- ，橄榄枝。Zài tánpàn xiàn rù jiāng jú shí, tā shuài xiān shēn chū le gǎn lǎn zhī.When the negotiations reached a deadlock, he was the first to extend an olive branch.
- 橄榄枝，。Zhèngfǔ xiàng fǎnduìpài pāo chū le gǎn lǎn zhī, hūyù shuāngfāng tíngzhǐ duìkàng.The government tossed an olive branch to the opposition, calling on both sides to stop the confrontation.
- 橄榄枝。Zhè chǎng zhànzhēng jiéshù yú yì fāng sòng lái de gǎn lǎn zhī.The war ended with an olive branch sent by one side.
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