In each of the following questions, choose the option that best expresses the meaning of the idiom "to bury the hatchet".

Introduction / Context:
The idiom "to bury the hatchet" is a well-known expression in English, often used in news, films, and everyday conversation. It originates from a Native American tradition of literally burying weapons as a sign of peace. In modern usage, it is a figurative way of saying that people decide to stop fighting and become friendly again. This makes it an important idiom for exam preparation.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- Idiom: "to bury the hatchet".
- Options: to make peace, to dig the ground, to negotiate, to make war, to postpone a decision.
- We must choose the option that reflects the commonly accepted figurative meaning.

Concept / Approach:
Literally, a hatchet is a small axe or weapon. "Burying" it symbolically means putting away weapons and ending conflict. Therefore, the idiom "to bury the hatchet" means to end a quarrel, drop hostility, and become friendly or peaceful again. It is stronger than just "to negotiate", because it implies a final decision to stop fighting, not just talk about it.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Consider the literal image: people who were enemies dig a hole and bury their weapons, showing they will not use them again.
Step 2: Translate this symbolic act into modern language: they decide to stop fighting and reconcile with each other.
Step 3: Among the options, "To make peace" clearly captures this idea of reconciliation.
Step 4: Reject other options that either focus on literal digging or starting conflict rather than ending it.

Verification / Alternative check:
Look at typical usage: "After years of rivalry, the two companies finally buried the hatchet" means they stopped competing aggressively or resolved their dispute. Another example: "Let us bury the hatchet and start fresh" in a personal relationship. In both cases, the meaning is to end enmity and return to friendly or neutral relations, which is exactly what "make peace" suggests.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- To dig the ground: focuses on the literal meaning of burying but ignores the idiomatic, figurative sense.

- To negotiate: implies talking about possible agreement, but not necessarily ending hostility; negotiations can fail.
- To make war: opposite in meaning; that would be "take up arms".
- To postpone a decision: unrelated to conflict or weapons.

Common Pitfalls:
Some candidates loosely associate "bury" with earth or ground and pick an option about digging; others may think of "negotiation" because peace is sometimes reached through talks. Remember that idioms usually have fixed meanings that must be learned as whole units. For "bury the hatchet", connect the image of putting away weapons with the idea of restoring peace to remember the correct meaning.

Final Answer:
"To bury the hatchet" means to make peace and end a quarrel or conflict.