iron out differences

Meaning

This expression means to resolve minor problems, disagreements, or misunderstandings through discussion. Just as an iron removes wrinkles from clothes to make them smooth, 'ironing out' differences makes a relationship smooth and harmonious again. It is commonly used in both personal relationships and professional negotiations.

Examples

• We had a few arguments, but we managed to iron out our differences and move on.

  We had a few arguments, but we managed to iron out our differences and move on.

• It took some time, but the two business partners finally ironed out their differences.

  It took some time, but the two business partners finally ironed out their differences.

• Before we get married, we need to iron out our differences regarding finances.

  Before we get married, we need to iron out our differences regarding finances.

• They are meeting tonight to try and iron out their differences after the big fight.

  They are meeting tonight to try and iron out their differences after the big fight.

• Every relationship has issues, but successful couples know how to iron out their differences.

  Every relationship has issues, but successful couples know how to iron out their differences.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ We need to iron our differences.

  ✓ We need to iron out our differences.

  The phrasal verb requires the particle 'out'. Without 'out', it sounds like you are literally using a clothing iron on your problems.

• ✗ They ironed out their problems with arguing.

  ✓ They ironed out their differences through discussion.

  'Iron out' implies a constructive, smooth resolution, so pairing it with negative actions like 'with arguing' is contradictory. Use 'through communication' or 'through discussion' instead.

Related Expressions

Practice

• If we sit down and talk, I'm sure we can ___.

  💡 Resolve our disagreements.

  Show answer

  iron out our differences

• They had a long conversation to ___ before signing the contract.

  💡 Smooth over their disagreements.

  Show answer

  iron out their differences