Hash out means discuss something until you agree on the details: we spent an hour hashing out the delivery schedule. There may be arguing, but the goal is a shared decision: a schedule, terms, who does what. To hash is to chop finely, so the problem gets cut into small pieces. It's informal; let's hash it out means 'let's talk it through and decide'.
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hash out the details; hash something out with someone; hash it out
- We spent an hour hashing out the delivery schedule.
- The partners hashed the agreement out over lunch.
- Let's hash it out before we contact the supplier.
What changed
First versionWe need to hash out it before Friday.
RevisionWe need to hash it out before Friday.
Discuss it puts the pronoun after the verb, so hash out it looks logical. But with a phrasal verb, a pronoun goes between the parts: hash it out. The person you agree with is introduced by with: hash it out with the team.
Discuss means talk about something, even if nothing gets decided. Hash out means keep talking until you agree: we hashed out the details. Iron out means fix the last small problems: iron out a few problems. In a formal email, discuss and agree on is safer.
Your turn
Choose the correct position of it: The timetable is still unclear; let's ___.
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hash it out — The pronoun it goes between hash and out: let's hash it out. Hash out it sounds wrong.
Describe something you had to hash out at length with colleagues, neighbours or family.
We should hash out the opening hours with the volunteers before announcing them.
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