work things out

Meaning

To resolve a problem, conflict, or difficult situation through discussion, compromise, and effort. It is extremely common when talking about repairing relationships, marriages, or friendships after an argument.

Examples

• Every couple has arguments, but the important thing is to work things out.

  Every couple has arguments, but the important thing is to work things out.

• We had a misunderstanding, but we sat down and worked things out.

  We had a misunderstanding, but we sat down and worked things out.

• I hope they can work things out before they make a final decision to split up.

  I hope they can work things out before they make a final decision to split up.

• It took some time, but we managed to work things out between us.

  It took some time, but we managed to work things out between us.

• Instead of staying angry, let's try to work things out.

  Instead of staying angry, let's try to work things out.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ We need to work out things.

  ✓ We need to work things out.

  While 'work out a problem' is correct, when using the pronoun 'things', it is much more natural to place 'things' between 'work' and 'out'.

• ✗ They worked things out of their problems.

  ✓ They worked out their problems.

  Do not combine 'work things out' with 'of'. You can say 'work things out' or 'work out their problems'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• They had a huge fight last week, but they are trying to _______________.

  💡 resolve their issues

  Show answer

  work things out

• We don't agree on everything, but I'm sure we can _______________.

  💡 find a solution together

  Show answer

  work things out