- October 24 marks the anniversary of the date when the UN Charter entered into force in 1945 after World War II
- Learn 10 English phrases and 1 in Cantonese slang that are all about promoting unity, harmony and cooperation
The UN is an intergovernmental organisation created in an attempt to maintain international peace and security after World War II. Illustration: ShutterstockMonday is United Nations Day which marks the anniversary of the date when the UN Charter entered into force on October 24, 1945.
Created in an attempt to maintain international peace and security after World War II, the intergovernmental organisation has strived to encourage countries around the world to cooperate on economic, social and humanitarian issues.
In honour of this hope for world unity, here are 10 useful English idioms – and one phrase from Cantonese slang – about making peace even in tough situations.
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1. Offer an olive branch
Meaning: to do something that shows goodwill in hopes of ending a disagreement and achieving peace
Example: The government offered an olive branch to its opponents by writing a formal apology for the atrocities committed by the army.
2. Hold your peace
Meaning: to remain silent to avoid an argument
Example: Even if you disagree with what the other side says, you must hold your peace until we leave the meeting.
3. Make peace
Meaning: to settle a disagreement
Example: Twenty years after leaving home, Sam has finally made peace with his estranged father.
4. Come to terms with
Meaning: to learn to accept and deal with someone or something difficult
Example: After her husband left her, Mary spent the next few weeks coming to terms with being alone.
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5. A meeting of minds
Meaning: an understanding or agreement between people
Example: The countries tried to come to a meeting of minds in addressing environmental issues.
6. At peace with the world
Meaning: calm and contented
Example: Meditating has helped Amanda appreciate the little things in life, and now, she is at peace with the world.
7. Peace and quiet
Meaning: freedom from stress or interruption
Example: Jackson did not bring any electronics on his holiday as he wanted to enjoy the peace and quiet on the island.
8. Peace of mind
Meaning: a feeling of being safe; freedom from worry
Example: The government announced extra subsidies for underprivileged families to give them some peace of mind amid the pandemic.
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9. Bury the hatchet
Meaning: to end a quarrel or conflict and become friendly
Example: After weeks spent ignoring each other, Tom and Mary decided to bury the hatchet during their cousin’s birthday.
10. Bite the bullet
Meaning: to accept a difficult or unpleasant situation
Example: My father has lost his job, so we have to bite the bullet and stop spending money on unnecessary things.
Here’s a phrase in Cantonese slang ...
下台階 haa6 toi4 gaai1 (har-toi-kai): “go offstage”
Meaning: to give someone an excuse or way to avoid an unpleasant or embarrassing situation
In English: to give someone an out; to help someone save face
Example: When Andy turned red from embarrassment, his teacher quickly changed the subject, giving him a har-toi-kai to protect his dignity.