sort out

verb

1. to find a solution to (a problem, etc), esp to make clear or tidy

   it took a long time to sort out the mess

2. to take or separate, as from a larger group

   he sorted out the most likely ones

3. to organize into an orderly and disciplined group

4. informal,  to beat or punish

Example Sentences

"It took me virtually three hours to sort out," he said.

Read more on BBC

Target is a jumbled “knot of problems” that need to be sorted out, Saunders said.

Read more on Barron's

It took the De Longs about six months to sort out a new layout for their home, which they plan to submit to the county for permit approval.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

If they found what appeared to be a cheap bet on the price movements of any security, they could then hire an expert to help them sort out the details.

Read more on Literature

"It's just a very big ask for something that they've messed up on, and they should have been able to sort out themselves."

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• analyze 
• categorize 
• characterize 
• determine 
• differentiate 
• discriminate 
• divide 
• figure out 
• identify 
• know 
• qualify 
• recognize 
• separate