sort things out

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/sɔːt θɪŋz aʊt/
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Putting things into order, and more often handling problems, arrangements, or tension until they are clear enough to move on.
Practice using sort things out in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • After the party, we spent an hour sorting things out in the kitchen.
  • After the argument, they met for coffee and sorted things out.
  • The archive looked chaotic, but the volunteers sorted things out by date.
  • She likes to sort things out on her desk before starting new work.
  • The project was behind schedule, so the team stayed late to sort things out.

Similar words

organize
resolve
settle
arrange
straighten out
clear up
tidy up
work out
clear up
fix

Meanings

Put matters in order

everyday
neutral
To arrange, tidy, or classify a set of items or practical details so they are easier to use or understand.

Examples

  • Before the move, we had to sort things out in every closet.
  • The archive looked chaotic, but the volunteers sorted things out by date.
  • After the party, we spent an hour sorting things out in the kitchen.
  • When the garage filled up, we finally sorted things out into keep, donate, and recycle piles.
  • She likes to sort things out on her desk before starting new work.

Similar words

organize
tidy up
arrange
classify
put in order
clear up

Resolve problems or tension

communication
neutral
To deal with problems, confusion, arrangements, or strained feelings until the situation is settled enough to continue.

Examples

  • After the argument, they met for coffee and sorted things out.
  • The project was behind schedule, so the team stayed late to sort things out.
  • Call me when you have time to sort things out between us.
  • Management brought everyone together to sort things out before the launch.
  • He needed a quiet weekend to sort things out in his own head.

Similar words

resolve
settle
work out
straighten out
clear up
fix

Etymology

Built from the phrasal verb sort out, whose verb sort goes back through French sorte to Latin sors, meaning a lot, share, or condition. The phrase keeps the idea of bringing a set of matters into order.

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