thrash out — resolve by discussion
to discuss something in detail, often for a long time, in order to reach an agreement or find a solution, especially when there are disagreements or complex issues.
Say it like a native
Textbook The committee debated the details at length to reach consensus.
Native We need to thrash out the details.
'Thrash out' is the idiomatic verb for hammering something out through long discussion.
Pattern: thrash out something | thrash something out
In use
- The management and staff spent hours thrashing out the details of the new contract.work
- In situations where team members have different opinions, it's important to thrash out the issues together to reach a fair decision.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ We thrashed out about the budget.
✓ We thrashed out the budget.
'Thrash out' takes the object directly — no 'about'.
Common collocations
thrash out + issue— the details, an agreement, the differences, a deal
Don't confuse it
'Thrash out' is stronger and more specific than 'discuss'—it implies working hard to resolve something, not just talking about it. It does not mean 'argue' in a hostile way, but rather to work together to find a solution.