patch things up — to repair a relationship or resolve a disagreement after an argument or conflict
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to repair a relationship or resolve a disagreement after an argument or conflict
Pronunciation (IPA): /pætʃ θɪŋz ʌp/
Example Sentences
- My parents had a huge argument about the TV remote, but they patched things up when they realized they were both watching the same show.
- The two countries are working hard to patch things up after the diplomatic incident.
- Tom and Jerry decided to patch things up, but within an hour Jerry was chasing Tom with a frying pan again.
patch things up
VERB[/pætʃ θɪŋz ʌp/]
to repair a relationship or resolve a disagreement after an argument or conflict
to repair a relationship or resolve a disagreement after an argument or conflict
Catch things up, match things up, then patch things up!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The phrase 'patch things up' derives from Middle English 'patch,' originally meaning to mend a hole or tear with a piece of cloth. Over time, the term underwent semantic extension from literal physical repair to figurative use, referring to the restoration or reconciliation of damaged relationships.
Breakdown
patch (to mend or repair) + things (matters, relationships) + up (completely, thoroughly) = to repair or resolve matters completely, particularly in the context of reconciling disagreements or restoring relationships.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My parents had a huge argument about the TV remote, but they patched things up when they realized they were both watching the same show.”
“The two countries are working hard to patch things up after the diplomatic incident.”
“Tom and Jerry decided to patch things up, but within an hour Jerry was chasing Tom with a frying pan again.”
“She called her sister to patch things up before the family reunion.”
📚Related Words
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