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

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

Your challenge now is to iron out the IRA and house questions.

From MarketWatch ● Mar. 31, 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

Apart from winning, Norris' target this season is to improve himself, iron out the weaknesses that were exposed by his struggles with adapting to the McLaren last year.

From BBC ● Mar. 5, 2026

Cynthia was working hard to iron out any extra meanings.

From "Black Swan Green" by David Mitchell

Related Words

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