iron out

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iron out

She uses the iron to iron out the wrinkles in her shirt.

Definition
  1. Verb (transitive):
    • To remove (wrinkles or creases) from fabric by pressing with a heated iron: The literal meaning, referring to the domestic task of using an iron to make cloth smooth.
    • To resolve or settle (difficulties, disagreements, or problems): The primary figurative meaning, meaning to eliminate problems or disagreements through discussion and compromise, making a situation smooth and functional.
Usage Examples

  • Literal Meaning:

    • Can you iron out the wrinkles in this tablecloth before the guests arrive?
    • She spent the morning ironing out her uniform.

  • Figurative Meaning:

    • The two leaders met to iron out the final details of the trade agreement.
    • We had a few issues with the software, but the developers managed to iron them out before the launch.
Advanced Usage
  • The phrasal verb is almost always used with an object (it is transitive). You must specify is being ironed out (e.g., problems, differences, kinks).
  • It implies a process that requires effort, negotiation, or attention to detail to achieve a smooth result.
    • The committee will need several sessions to iron out all the conflicting opinions in the draft policy.
Variants and Related Words
  • Iron (verb/noun): The tool or the action of pressing clothes.
    • I need to iron my shirt.
  • Ironing (noun): The task or the pile of clothes to be pressed.
    • She did the ironing while watching TV.
Synonyms
  • Resolve: To find a solution to a problem.
  • Settle: To reach an agreement or decision about.
  • Smooth over: To make problems or difficulties seem less serious, often temporarily.
  • Sort out: To organize or resolve a confused or problematic situation.
  • Work out: To solve a problem by thinking or talking about it.
Related Phrasal Verbs
  • Smooth out: Very similar in meaning, can be used both literally (smooth out the fabric) and figuratively (smooth out the difficulties).
    • Let's try to smooth out any misunderstandings before we proceed.
  • Straighten out: To correct or resolve a confused or problematic situation.
    • We need to straighten out this billing error.
Related Idioms
  • Get the wrinkles out: An informal idiom with a similar figurative meaning to "iron out."
    • We should run one more rehearsal to get the wrinkles out of the performance.
  • Put to rights: To correct or fix something that is wrong.
    • The new manager was hired to put the department's finances to rights.
iron out

She uses the iron to iron out the wrinkles in her shirt.

Verb
  1. press and smooth with a heated iron
    • press your shirts
    • she stood there ironing
  2. settle or put right
    • we need to iron out our disagreements

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