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

Secretary of State Rubio said it would take a few days to iron out a potential agreement.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 27, 2026

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

From MarketWatch • Mar. 31, 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

Officials from both countries will resume discussions next month to iron out legal issues, with presidents Prabowo Subianto and Donald Trump expected to sign the agreement before February.

From Barron's • Dec. 23, 2025

I walked quickly down the hill to iron out the distortion.

From "Travels with Charley in Search of America" by John Steinbeck

Related Words

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