Definition of patch up

The origin of the phrase "patch up" can be traced back to the mid-19th century. It comes from the world of sewing and repairs, where a "patch" refers to a piece of fabric sewn onto a garment or item to mend a hole or tear. To "patch up" something, then, is to make a simple repair, using a patch, in order to restore it to a usable condition. Over time, the meaning of "patch up" has broadened to include fixing or mending more than just physical objects. It can refer to resolving disagreements or repairing relationships, figuratively "patching up" any tears that may have caused conflict or hurt feelings. In this figurative sense, "patch up" has come to mean "settle" or "resolve" in everyday language. Interestingly, the term has retained its connection to sewing, as the phrase "patchwork" is often used to describe using small, disparate parts to create something new and functional, much like the process of creating a solution through negotiation and compromise.