Let us suppose that you are being attacked by a man with a chopper. Wait until the weapon is well poised over your head. Just as he begins the down stroke step aside smartly. The hatchet will then be found buried in the ground. This means that bygones are bygones.
"Are they rising the day, Sir?"
"No."
"Ah, weel, just bide a wee. They aye tak best in the cool of the evening."