sort out

phrasal verb transitive

Word Forms

present tense
I/you/we/they	sort out
he/she/it	sorts out
present participle	sorting out
past tense	sorted out
past participle	sorted out

1
to do what is necessary to deal with a problem, disagreement, or difficult situation successfully
This matter could be sorted out if they would just sit down and talk.
sort yourself out:
If you have a problem, the welfare officer can help you sort yourself out.
Synonyms and related words
To successfully deal with a problem or difficulty
cope
overcome
carry off
2
to get rid of things that you do not need and arrange things that you do need neatly
I need to sort out the mess on my desk.
I’ve managed to sort the newspapers out.
Synonyms and related words
To make things cleaner or tidier
clean up
clear out
clean
Synonyms and related words
To get rid of something or someone
replace
throw away
shed
3
to find out information that allows you to understand something
sort out how/what/why etc.:
Investigators are still trying to sort out why the accident happened.
Synonyms and related words
To find out information
find out
read up on
discover
4
Britishto make arrangements for something to happen, or to decide how it will happen
Danny’s organizing the food and the music’s already sorted out.
Synonyms and related words
To make plans or arrangements
plan
arrange
organize
5
Britishinformalto provide something for someone
sort someone out:
If you need a new bike, I can sort you out.
sort something out for someone:
We’ll sort out more suitable clothes for you.
Synonyms and related words
To provide something needed or missing
provide
supply
equip
6
Britishinformalto make someone stop causing problems for you, for example by talking to them or punishing them
Synonyms and related words
To punish someone
punish
discipline
penalize