The word sort can be a noun and a verb. As a noun,it can mean a categorizeof people or things based on a type or characteristic. As a verb, it can mean to arrange and separate people and things into groups and categories. Also as a verb, it can mean to resolve of a conflict or problem situation.
The origins of this phrase come from the 17-century term “out of sorts” which refers someone that is a little unwell and/or not in a usual or normal state of mind. Hence, when we use sort things out we are referring to a situation where someone might be upset and their emotions are out of sort and there is an effort to resolve the problem.
Meaning:
When we use the idiomatic phrase sort out, we use it in a figurative sense to do what is needed to solve or deal with a problem, argument, or a conflictual situation successfully. Often times this phrase is in the context of a relationship of conflict of emotions, ideas and feelings.
Example of “Sort things out”:
- I am sure we will be able to sort things out so everyone is happy with their tasks for the new project.
- We will need to sort out the issues with your parents before we decide on Christmas holidays.
Dialog:
Pedro: Hi Jose, come in a have a seat.
Jose: Sure thing, Pedro. I am guessing you want to talk about the project?
Pedro: Yes, that is one of two things we need to cover today.
Jose: Ok, what is the second thing?
Pedro: I want to talk to you about an upcoming conference and we need to sort out the details for you to attend.
Jose: Sure, I am excited to go.
Pedro: The other issue is the project and your team’s moral.
Jose: Yes, there have been a few upset people and we are working on sorting out people’s frustration with their tasks.
Pedro: Ok, sounds good. I would like to have a meeting with you and your team so we can sort out their issues and find a solution so everyone can move forward.
Other words you can create: noun, verb, adjective, adverb, etc. (ex: mug – mugger)
Resolve
Fix
Solve
Rectify
Settle
Conflict
Confusion
Cope
Manage
Handle
Collocations:
We need to sort things out.
I am sure we can get things sorted out.
Related phrasal verbs:
Straighten out
When used in the context of sort things out it means that a confusing situation.
- I think we have everything straightened outfor the HR issues. Next, we will need to sort out the problems with the office in Toronto.
Work out
This is used to describe a resolved a problematic situation.
- I am confident that we will be able to work out your concerns and sort out the issues with the staff.
Put right
When we put something right, it means we correct or resolve a situation and/or amends for something wrong.
- I have every confidence son, that you will put things right with your girlfriend and sort out whatever issues you might have.
Deal with
We use this phrase in the context of sort things out, to describe managing a difficult situation to a successful resolution.
- We need to deal with your divorce and then sort out the issues with your kids.
Clear up
We use this phrase to describe1 the solution to a misunderstanding.
- Sally, we need to clear up any misunderstandings and then sort out why you are so angry with me.
Figure out
In the context of sort things out, this phrase is used to make an effort to understand and then solve a problem successfully.
- First we need to figure out what made him so angary and then sort out his feelings towards his job.
Related idioms:
Set right
When we set something right we correct a mistake.
Iron out
Solving a dispute amicably.
Hammer out
To solve a disagreement through difficult discussions.
Pan out
In the end of a problem situation, there is a positive resolution.
Get to the bottom of
Find the root cause of a problem.
Synonyms (other ways to say):
Resolve the issue
Straighten out
Figure out
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