ˈaɪərn aʊt
neutral
intermediate
- Base verb:
- iron
- Particle:
- out
- Separable:
- Yes
What does "iron out" mean?
- To resolve problems or difficulties
- To remove wrinkles from fabric
Examples
- We need to iron out the details before signing.
- They ironed out their differences.
- Let's iron out these issues in the meeting.
- It took weeks to iron out all the problems.
- The agreement was reached after ironing out minor disputes.
How to use it
Figuratively means resolving difficulties. Very common in business contexts.
Word order
Object can go between: 'iron the problems out' or 'iron out the issues'
Similar expressions
resolve
settle
work out
smooth over
Opposites
complicate
create problems
Related phrasal verbs
- get out
To leave a place, room, or vehicle
- turn out
To have a particular result or end in a certain way
- go out
To leave your home for social activities or entertainment
- give out
To distribute something to multiple people
- bring out
To produce and release a new product, book, or album
- come out
To become known or revealed
Use it in a practice answer
Try "iron out" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.