# flesh out

CEFR C1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/flesh-out
Updated: 2026-10-22

## Definition

to add more details or information to a basic plan or idea. You use this when you want to make a simple thought more complete.

For teachers: to provide more substance or detail to a skeletal framework, plan, or concept. Transitive; the object is typically an abstract noun representing an idea or project.

## Examples

- You need to flesh out your essay with more examples.
- The marketing team met for three hours to flesh out the details of the new campaign.
- While the initial proposal was conceptually sound, the committee requested that the researchers flesh out the methodology section to ensure the study's replicability.

## Pitfalls

- Not "We need to flush out the details." but "We need to flesh out the details." — Learners often confuse 'flesh' with 'flush'; 'flesh' refers to adding 'meat' (details) to a 'skeleton' (outline).

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and can be used in both active and passive voices.
- Teaching tip: Contrast with 'flush out' (to force something out of hiding), which is a very common phonological and lexical confusion for learners.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.