sort out
Britishverb
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to find a solution to (a problem, etc), esp to make clear or tidy
it took a long time to sort out the mess
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to take or separate, as from a larger group
he sorted out the most likely ones
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to organize into an orderly and disciplined group
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informal to beat or punish
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
At least the U.S. and Russia, oceans apart from each other, had half an hour to sort out the confusion before the missiles would land if they had been real.
From Slate ● Sep. 10, 2026
To sort out the identities of these frogs, researchers combined field observations, museum specimens, and advanced DNA analysis.
From Science Daily ● Aug. 30, 2026
But plenty of Gen Z-ers can relate to the “Brinity” couple putting their spending plans on hold while they sort out their debt load.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 29, 2026
He's also been plain that he has unfinished business on trying to sort out social care in England.
From BBC ● Jun. 27, 2026
“You’ll have to sort out the dirty and clean clothes,” the foster mother said.
From "Three Little Words: A Memoir" by Ashley Rhodes-Courter
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
