sort out
[verb]
Synonyms:
- resolve, clarify, clear up
- organize, tidy up

[TahlilGaran] English Synonym Dictionary ▲

sort something/somebody ↔ out phrasal verb (see also sort)

1. to arrange or organize something that is mixed up or untidy, so that it is ready to be used:
We need to sort out our camping gear before we go away.

2. to separate one type of thing from another:
I’ve sorted out the papers that can be thrown away.
sort something/somebody ↔ out from
First, sort the white things out from the other clothes.

3. especially British English to successfully deal with a problem or difficult situation:
She went to a psychiatrist to try to sort out her problems.
I’ll be glad to get this misunderstanding sorted out.
sort yourself out/get yourself sorted out (=deal with all your problems)
I’m staying with a friend until I manage to sort myself out.

4. especially British English to succeed in making arrangements for something:
Have you sorted out where you’re going to live yet?
She is trying to sort out childcare.

5. sort itself out British English if something sorts itself out, it stops being a problem without you having to do anything:
Our financial problems should sort themselves out in a week or two.

6. British English informal to stop someone from causing problems or annoying you, especially by attacking or punishing them:
If he bothers you again, I’ll sort him out.

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

ˈsort-out noun [singular]
British English informal an occasion when you tidy a room, desk etc and get rid of the things you do not need:
These cupboards need a good sort-out.

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

sort out
sort (something) out
to deal successfully with a problem or a situation.
We know that our boys have gotten into trouble with the law, but our family is working on sorting it out.

Detectives are still sorting out who was involved in the crime.

Usage notes: often in the form sort things out:
We haven't had many chances to talk to each other and sort things out.

Medial position of obj. very common--SL, 1/03

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

sort something out
sort (something) out
to deal successfully with a problem or a situation.
We know that our boys have gotten into trouble with the law, but our family is working on sorting it out.

Detectives are still sorting out who was involved in the crime.

Usage notes: often in the form sort things out:
We haven't had many chances to talk to each other and sort things out.

Medial position of obj. very common--SL, 1/03

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

sort out
to clear up confusion, to straighten out something disorderly
Our accountant is working hard to sort the money problems out.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

sort something out
to clear up confusion, to straighten out something disorderly
Our accountant is working hard to sort the money problems out.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

sort out
v. phr.
1. To alphabetize; arrange in numerical order.
The secretary helped Professor Brown sort out his numerous index cards.
2. To clarify.
"Help me sort out these bills," she begged her husband.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲