iron out
phr. v..phr. v.. to solve small problems or settle details so that something works perfectly.
phr. v.. to resolve minor difficulties, inconsistencies, or points of contention through discussion or adjustment; typically used in the context of plans, agreements, or technical processes.
We need to iron out the final details of the contract.
The two companies met yesterday to iron out their differences before signing the merger agreement.
Although the software is functional, the developers still need to iron out several minor bugs before the official launch next month.
- Particles
- out
- Separability
- optional
- Pattern
- iron + out + object
usually takes an abstract object like 'details', 'problems', 'differences', or 'kinks'.
use the metaphor of removing wrinkles from clothing with a hot iron to help students visualize making a plan 'smooth' and ready for use.
We ironed the problems out.We ironed out the problems.While technically separable, this phrasal verb is almost always used in the joined form 'iron out' when the object is a noun phrase.