1 B2 idiomatic informal
To find a solution to a problem by thinking carefully or discussing it.
"Let's meet tomorrow and nut out the details of the contract."
separable
nut out
B2 informal separable transitive
To solve a problem or work out the details of something through careful thought or discussion.
In plain English
To think hard about something until you find the answer or a plan.
What does "nut out" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
To plan or work through something complex until a workable agreement or result is reached.
"The two teams spent the afternoon nutting out a compromise that both sides could accept."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To crack a nut open — implying extracting something difficult from inside.
Actually means
To think hard about something until you find the answer or a plan.
Usage tip
Chiefly Australian and British informal. Common in business and planning contexts ('nut out the details'). Less common in American English.
Words that pair with "nut out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
details plan solution problem agreement deal
How to conjugate "nut out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
nut out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
nuts out
he/she/it
Past simple
nuted out
yesterday
Past participle
nuted out
have + pp
-ing form
nuting out
continuous
Hear "nut out" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "nut out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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