sort out
Definition of sort out
1 : to understand or find (something, such as a reason or a solution) by thinking I'm trying to sort out a way to do it.
2 : to find an answer or solution for (something) He's still trying to sort out his problems. We need to get these problems sorted out as soon as possible. They couldn't come up with a solution and decided to wait to see whether problem sorted itself out.
3 : to solve the problems of (someone) They're still trying to sort their son out. I just need a little more time to sort myself out.
4 British, informal : to deal in a forceful way with (someone who is causing problems) I told my brother they were bullying me, and he promised to sort them out (for me).
From the M-W Editors
Word by Word Definitions
: a group set up on the basis of any characteristic in common : class, kind
: one approximating the character or qualities of another
: person, individual
: to put in a certain place or rank according to kind, class, or nature
: to arrange according to characteristics : classify
: to put to rights : put in order
: in a direction away from the inside or center
: outside
: from among others
: eject, oust
: to identify publicly as being such secretly
: to identify as being a closet homosexual
: used as a function word to indicate an outward movement
: situated outside : external
: out-of-bounds
: situated at a distance : outlying
: outside
: one who is out of office or power or on the outside
: an act or instance of putting a player out or of being put out in baseball
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