1
general::
Work out, resolve, settle. For example, They managed to iron out all the problems with the new production process, or John and Mary finally ironed out their differences. This expression uses ironing wrinkled fabric as a metaphor for smoothing differences. [Mid-1800s]
American Heritage Idioms
2
general::
Phrase(s): iron something out
1. Lit. to use a flatiron to make cloth flat or smooth. • I will iron the drapes out, so they will hang together. • I ironed out the drapes. 2. Fig. to ease a problem; to smooth out a problem. (Here problem is synonymous with wrinkle.) • It’s only a little problem. I can iron it out very quickly. • We will iron out all these little matters first.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs