olive branch

1. A branch of an olive tree regarded as an emblem of peace.
2. An offer of peace: bore an olive branch to the new round of negotiations.

A symbol of peace, an offering of good will, as in They feuded for years, but finally the Hatfields came over bearing an olive branch. This term is alluded to in the Bible (Genesis 8:11), where the dove comes to Noah after the flood with an olive leaf in its mouth. [c. 1600]

The branch brought by a dove to Noah's ark signifying that the flood was receding.

A symbol of peace, the olive branch is associated with the dove bringing God's message of hope for a peaceful new world to Noah. It represents resolution of conflicts and reconciliation, and perhaps the lifting of a burden in the life of the dreamer.