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

Without Sciver-Brunt's experience and calming presence, England's batters look scrambled and they have little time to iron out the creases.

From BBC ● May 28, 2026

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

From MarketWatch ● Mar. 31, 2026

But many economists think that the BLS doesn’t fully iron out seasonal effects and that the data still exhibits “residual seasonality.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 9, 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

Someone said John Jay was in England, trying to iron out our problems with the British.

From "Carry On, Mr. Bowditch" by Jean Lee Latham

Related Words

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