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

While there’s definitely a market for companies that can build data centers in space, there are still a number of issues with the technology that need to be ironed out before it becomes widespread.

From MarketWatch

The two sides haven’t even ironed out concrete terms or details on which Chinese regulations to be suspended.

From Barron's

Rooney said Salah needed to either iron out his differences with Slot, or leave Liverpool.

From BBC

The Australian government concedes the ban will be far from perfect at the outset, and some underage users will fall through the cracks as issues are ironed out.

From Barron's

Australia concedes the ban will be far from perfect at the outset, and some underage users will fall through the cracks as issues are ironed out.

From Barron's

Related Words

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