to sort out
222
2.7
- phrasal verb
- /sɔrt aʊt/
:
resolver
- But first I need a few days for myself, just to sort out what we've already dug up.
- sort out the problems
- sort out things
- try to sort out
Once you own that and once you sort it out, that flame goes out.
- Once you own that and once you sort it out, that flame goes out.
- So he's trying to sort out what, how to make sense of this.
- So our job is to sort out what's a biological stressor?
- Just busy with work and I'm trying to sort things out and move forward.
- Now this, the boss we didn't know has sorted out with the Moroccans, right.
- I make these videos really to try and sort things out in my mind.
- And so they of course sorted it out and made sure that my father got paid.
- And until you can sort out what those what those objects really are.
- Let me just sort myself out in my mind, get everything straight.
- And I think, you know, yes, we won't be able to sort out all the problems.
- He managed to get things sorted out in a way.
Examples
-
Just busy with work and I'm trying to sort things out and move forward.
-
I said stay home while I sort out everything!
-
But yeah, I need to sort this out because that is not good.
-
But if you sort it out, then maybe things can be better.
-
You can stay here for a few days while we try to sort it out.
-
We think that you should take a leave of absence until we're able to sort all this out.
-
I'm still trying to sort it out.
-
Right now, I think Monty could use a little space to sort things out for himself.
Fiction book (1993) -
I've got all the papers here and I'm sure we can sort it out.
-
We need to sort out this misunderstanding before the meeting starts.
Synonyms
623
3.3
To find an answer to a problem and end a disagreement
363
2.8
To make something easy to understand
248
3.3
To make something clear so others can understand it
172
2.3
To explain something so people understand it
167
3.4
To solve a problem or make a misunderstanding clear
165
3.2
To find an answer to a problem by thinking or talking
51
4.8
To make something clear or easier to understand
26
3.9
To help people understand something by explaining it
22
3.8
Settle problems or disagreements by talking and finding a solution
21
5.8
To become clear and definite, as an idea or plan
11
6.8
To explain something so it is easy to understand
6
3.4
Make a process or problem easier by removing difficulties
5
3.4
To find a fair way to end a disagreement between people
5
4.2
To correct a wrong idea or explain what really happened
3
4.8
To think carefully to find an answer to a problem
2
5.9
To put your life and thoughts in order when you feel confused
1
5.5
To make a confusing or difficult situation clear
To fix a serious problem left behind in a project or system
Antonyms
How Resolved
∞
1.3
222
2.7
152
3.4
3
3.2
∞
3.6
367
3.8
Surface Forms
Morphology
sort + out
The meaning 'to resolve or clarify' is directly derivable from combining 'sort' (to arrange or classify) with the particle 'out' (giving a sense of completion, separation, or moving to a resolved state). This verb+particle composition is a common, cross-linguistic logic and a B1 learner who knows both constituents would very likely infer the intended sense.
Etymology
Sort out can also be seen as untangling a problem: imagine a knotted ball of string and pulling knots out until the string is clear. That's why the phrase means 'to resolve' or 'clear up' a problem.