Conflicts are inevitable in both personal and professional environments. Understanding how to articulate feelings and actions during disagreements is crucial. This blog post explores 20 expressions related to conflict, enhancing your communication in heated moments.
1. Bury the hatchet
Meaning: Resolve a conflict
Example: They decided to bury the hatchet and move forward.
2. Add fuel to the fire
Meaning: Worsen a conflict
Example: His sarcastic remarks just added fuel to the fire.
3. At loggerheads
Meaning: Strong disagreement
Example: They were at loggerheads over the new policy.
4. Beat around the bush
Meaning: Avoid the main issue
Example: Stop beating around the bush and tell me the truth.
5. Blow off steam
Meaning: Release anger or stress
Example: He went for a run to blow off steam after the argument.
6. Burn bridges
Meaning: Destroy relationships
Example: Quitting in anger might burn bridges with your boss.
7. Clear the air
Meaning: Resolve misunderstanding
Example: Let’s clear the air and discuss what really happened.
8. Come to blows
Meaning: Start fighting
Example: The argument escalated, and they almost came to blows.
9. Cross swords
Meaning: Have a heated argument
Example: They crossed swords during the meeting yesterday.
10. Fan the flames
Meaning: Intensify a conflict
Example: His harsh words only fanned the flames.
11. Hold one’s ground
Meaning: Maintain one’s position
Example: Despite the opposition, he held his ground firmly.
12. Iron out differences
Meaning: Resolve disputes
Example: They need to iron out their differences soon.
13. Kick up a fuss
Meaning: Cause a disturbance
Example: She kicked up a fuss over the unannounced changes.
14. Lay it on the line
Meaning: Speak frankly, risk conflict
Example: He laid it on the line, risking his job.
15. Lock horns
Meaning: Engage in conflict
Example: They locked horns over budget allocations.
16. Patch things up
Meaning: Mend a relationship
Example: After their disagreement, they patched things up quickly.
17. Rub someone the wrong way
Meaning: Irritate or annoy
Example: His comments rubbed his colleagues the wrong way.
18. Settle a score
Meaning: Avenge a past grievance
Example: He was determined to settle a score with his rival.
19. Smooth things over
Meaning: Calm a dispute
Example: She always knows how to smooth things over.
20. Stir the pot
Meaning: Cause trouble
Example: He likes to stir the pot during meetings.
