Topics › Solving problems

English phrases for solving problems

19 phrases from the lesson “Sorting It Out”.

• run into (sth)to experience a problem unexpectedly
• sort outto organize or solve something
• come up withto think of an idea or solution
• iron outto solve small remaining problems in something
• get to the bottom of (sth)to find the real cause of a problem
• give sb a handto help someone
• deal withto handle or take action about a problem
• figure outto understand or work out something, often after thinking
• work sth outto find a solution to a problem, often by calculation or thought
• look into (sth)to investigate or examine something
• get to grips with (sth)to begin to understand and deal with something difficult
• a stumbling blockan obstacle that prevents progress on something
• thrash sth outto discuss something thoroughly until a solution or agreement is reached
• nip sth in the budto stop a problem early, before it has a chance to grow
• muddle throughto manage to complete something despite a lack of skill, information or organization
• a workarounda way of dealing with a problem without solving the underlying cause
• put out firesto deal with urgent problems one after another, usually reactively
• crack itto finally find the solution to a difficult problem
• sort itself out(of a problem) to resolve without anyone needing to take direct action