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

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

The more details, financial or otherwise, you iron out before the trip, the more you’ll be able to enjoy what sounds like an amazing few days.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 29, 2026

With the Australian Open starting at Melbourne Park on Sunday, Swiatek has little time to iron out her technical issues after 36 unforced errors to Bencic's 10 on Sunday.

From Barron's • Jan. 12, 2026

If she can iron out putting woes she will be a worthy rival to Thitikul at the top of the rankings.

From BBC • Jan. 6, 2026

“Whatsa matter? We been doing good in rehearsal. Just wait’ll we iron out the kinks. This act is gonna be a boffo smash.”

From "A Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole

Related Words

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