English idiom

keep the peace

Register · Neutral CEFR B2

Post

Figurative meaning

to prevent conflict and maintain calm between people or groups

Why this phrase?

Peace is treated as a state that can be held in place and protected from disruption.

Example

“I changed the subject to keep the peace at dinner.”

Dictionary details

Tags

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

bury the hatchet

to reconcile with someone and bring a quarrel to an end

kiss and make up

to reconcile and become friendly again after an argument

mend fences

to rebuild friendly relations after a dispute

a bone of contention

a subject that causes disagreement or argument between people

it takes two to tango

both parties are responsible for a situation

save face

to protect one's dignity or public reputation after embarrassment or failure

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

External links

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