DictionarysortResolving a problem
verb

sort

To deal successfully with a problem or difficult situation.

We need to sort out the mistake on this bill.

Etymology

Sorting ordinarily arranges things into appropriate order. The problem-solving sense extends that tidying or organizing action to putting a difficult situation right.

More examples

  • She helped sort out our travel problems.
  • They finally sorted out their disagreement.
  • He spent the morning sorting out a delivery mix-up.

Forms

sort · sorts · sorted · sorting

Similar words

resolve
More formal; emphasizes bringing a problem to an end.
fix
The more usual informal American verb for solving a problem.