Iron out the details
Meaning
To resolve minor problems or reach agreement on specific points to finalize a plan or arrangement.
Origin
Imagine a time when clothes were perpetually wrinkled, creased from storage or travel. The humble iron, heated by fire or stove, became an indispensable tool for transforming rumpled fabrics into crisp, presentable garments. Each pass of the heavy iron smoothed away the imperfections, making the cloth lie flat and orderly. This essential domestic task provided a vivid metaphor for resolving the small, nagging problems that make a plan or agreement appear messy and unfinished. Just as an iron removes creases to reveal a smooth surface, to 'iron out the details' means to systematically address and resolve every last minor issue, ensuring everything is perfectly smooth and ready.
Examples
- Before we sign the contract, we need to iron out the details of the payment schedule.
- The team spent the entire afternoon trying to iron out the details for the upcoming product launch.