Grammar fix
flesh out
add detail (to an idea or plan)
to add more information or detail to something, such as an idea, plan, or argument, to make it clearer or more complete
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
- We need to flesh out our proposal before presenting it to the board.study
- In my opinion, it's important to flesh out your arguments in the essay so the examiner can clearly follow your reasoning.IELTS speaking
Fix the pattern
Pattern: flesh out something | flesh something out
WrongLet's flesh out more the idea.
RightLet's flesh out the idea a bit more. / flesh the idea out.
Word order: 'flesh out the idea', not 'flesh out more the idea'.
Patternflesh out something | flesh something out
Use it right
Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.
'Flesh out' is the natural verb for adding detail to an outline; 'elaborate upon... with further particulars' is legalistic.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
flesh out + outlinethe ideathe detailsa planthe argument
Don't confuse it
'Flesh out' is different from 'figure out' (which means to understand or solve something) and from 'fill out' (which means to complete a form). 'Flesh out' is only used for making ideas, plans, or arguments more detailed.