iron out
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle out
Meanings
Solve small problems or differences
Why “out”? A problem, disagreement, or hard time continues until it is settled or ends.
“We need to iron out a few problems.”
“They ironed out the last problem.”
Memory hook
You smooth the wrinkles out of a plan, like ironing creases flat.
Common mistake
We need to iron out it.
We need to iron it out.
A pronoun goes between the verb and the particle.
Natural collocations
The word partners “iron out” most often appears with — learn the phrase, not just the verb.
Test yourself
“We need to iron out a few problems.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
fight out
Same out pattern: resolution
Settle a disagreement by arguing or fighting until one side wins
hammer out
Same out pattern: resolution
Reach an agreement after long and difficult discussion
hold out
Same out pattern: resolution
Resist or last for a particular time
sort out
Same out pattern: resolution
Resolve a problem successfully
straighten out
Same out pattern: resolution
Resolve a problem or confusion
sweat out
Same out pattern: resolution
Endure a difficult or anxious situation until it ends
talk out
Same out pattern: resolution
Discuss a problem fully until it is settled
wait out
Same out pattern: resolution
Wait until a difficult situation ends
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