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hash out

B1 informal separable transitive

To discuss and settle something thoroughly through careful, often lengthy debate or negotiation.

In plain English

To talk about something in detail until everyone agrees or a decision is made.

What does "hash out" mean?

2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.

1 B1 idiomatic informal

To discuss something in depth and in detail until a conclusion or agreement is reached.

"The two parties spent three days hashing out the terms of the contract."

They're going to sit down and hash out the details of the peace agreement.

— Common usage in American political and news reporting (representative example)
separable
2 B1 idiomatic informal

To resolve disagreements or differences through open discussion.

"Let's get everyone in the room and hash out our differences before the project starts."

separable

Literal vs figurative

Words literally mean

To chop something out — 'hash' originally meant to chop up food.

Actually means

To talk about something in detail until everyone agrees or a decision is made.

Usage tip

Primarily American English. Commonly used in business and political contexts. 'Hash' comes from the French 'hacher' (to chop), suggesting chopping a problem into pieces to deal with it. Almost always implies the discussion involves some disagreement that needs to be resolved.

Words that pair with "hash out"

Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.

details deal agreement differences plan terms

How to conjugate "hash out"

The five tense forms you'll use most often.

Base
hash out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
hashes out
he/she/it
Past simple
hashed out
yesterday
Past participle
hashed out
have + pp
-ing form
hashing out
continuous

Hear "hash out" in the wild

Listen to native speakers using "hash out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.

Keep exploring

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