mend one's fences

What is the origin of the idiom "mend one's fences" and when to use it?

The origin of this phrase is unclear, but it is believed to have originated from the practice of maintaining fences or boundaries between properties. In the past, farmers and landowners would use fences made of wood or wire to mark the boundaries of their land and to keep livestock from wandering onto neighboring properties. If a fence was damaged or in disrepair, it would be necessary to mend it in order to prevent conflicts with neighbors. Over time, the phrase "mend one's fences" came to be used metaphorically to refer to repairing damaged relationships or making amends with others.