iron out

British  

verb

1. to smooth, using a heated iron

2. to put right or settle (a problem or difficulty) as a result of negotiations or discussions

3. informal to knock unconscious

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iron out Idioms  

1. Work out, resolve, settle. For example, They managed to iron out all the problems with the new production process, or John and Mary finally ironed out their differences. This expression uses ironing wrinkled fabric as a metaphor for smoothing differences. [Mid-1800s]

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

iron out

Sometimes, that stuff takes longer to iron out.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 30, 2026

By advancing in increments, you can iron out problems and manage negative emotions while the stakes are still relatively low.

From MarketWatch ● Jun. 30, 2026

As I note in this week’s issue of Barron’s Global Signals, there are various details to iron out, including specifics on Iran’s nuclear program, and there’s also a chance that the deal falls apart entirely.

From Barron's ● Jun. 18, 2026

China combines key economic indicators for January and February each year to iron out distortions caused by the shifting timing of the Lunar New Year, which typically slows economic activity.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 10, 2026

“There’s scrap iron out there, boys,” he whispered.

From "October Sky" by Homer Hickam

Related Words

• arbitrate
• clear up
• eradicate
• expedite
• get rid of
• harmonize
• negotiate
• resolve
• settle
• smooth over
• straighten out
• unravel