IdiomDaily LifeEnglish

thrash out

Meaning: To discuss and resolve a contentious issue thoroughly through frank dialogue.

Example: “The two companies spent all night thrashing out the details of the merger.”

Origin: The image is of beating or hammering something out—thrashing suggests vigorous discussion until the problem is beaten into submission or resolved.

More idioms — Daily Life

  • play Cupid To act as a matchmaker by trying to bring two people together romantically.
  • cut a rug To dance with energy and style, particularly in early twentieth-century jazz or swing sty…
  • hang upon To be deeply absorbed in or emotionally dependent on someone or something.
  • cut above Superior in quality or ability; better than most.
  • Allonger pour le compte To knock someone out in a boxing match; to fell someone.
  • Avancer masqué To act in a hidden or anonymous way, concealing one's intentions or identity.

More English idioms

  • bad blood Persistent hostility or deep resentment between people.
  • pull teeth To accomplish something with great difficulty, requiring much effort and persistence.
  • stumbling block An obstacle or barrier that impedes progress or causes difficulty.
  • feet first Dead, or in the manner of a corpse.
  • of the same leaven Of the same nature, character, or type; alike.
  • as the crow flies Directly or in a straight line, without roads.

Explore another collection: False Friends

Words that look familiar in another language but mean something else entirely.

  • Educado Actually means 'polite' or 'well-mannered'. For educated (schooled), say instruído.
  • Balcão Actually means 'counter' — in a shop, bar or bank. A balcony is uma varanda.
  • Injúria Actually means 'insult' or 'slander'. A physical injury is uma lesão or um ferimento.

Browse all false friends →

Keep exploring

Explore all idioms →