hash out

talk about something carefully until you reach an agreement

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What does "hash sth out" mean?

To hash out something means to discuss it thoroughly — often over a significant period of time — until all parties reach an agreement or resolve a complex issue. The emphasis is on the effort and length of the process: it is not a quick conversation but a sustained, sometimes difficult negotiation involving at least two people with potentially different views. You will hear it most often in business, politics, and professional contexts where contracts, strategies, or policies are being negotiated. It is predominantly American English; British speakers tend to prefer 'thrash out' for the same meaning. The phrase carries a connotation of real intellectual and collaborative work, so it is not appropriate for simple, quick decisions.

Examples

How to use it

hash out + noun phrase

The most common structure, used when the object is a noun phrase describing the thing being negotiated or resolved.

The two companies need to hash out the terms of the licensing agreement before the end of the quarter.

hash + pronoun + out

When the object is a pronoun such as 'it' or 'them', it must go between 'hash' and 'out'; this separated form is extremely natural and common.

There are still a few sticking points, but we'll hash them out at tomorrow's meeting.

hash + short noun + out

Short noun phrases also separate naturally and frequently, especially in informal and semi-formal contexts.

Let's sit down this afternoon and hash the details out before we present to the board.

need to / sit down and / meet to + hash out

Hash out frequently appears after verbs of initiation or purpose, signalling that the discussion is being proposed or is yet to happen.

The project leaders need to hash out a clear strategy before the team can move forward.

be hashed out (passive)

The passive is grammatically natural and occasionally appears in written or journalistic contexts, though active constructions are far more common.

The final conditions of the merger were hashed out over several weeks of intense negotiation.

Common Collocations

hash out the detailshash out a dealhash out the termshash out a planhash out a solutionhash it out

Common Mistakes

Confusing 'hash out' with 'work out'

'Hash out' requires extended discussion between at least two parties and cannot describe solving a problem alone or mentally. 'Work out' is more flexible — it focuses on the result and can be done by a single person.

✗ She hashed out the solution on her own before the meeting.
✓ She worked out the solution on her own before the meeting.
Confusing 'hash out' with 'iron out'

'Iron out' is best used for minor problems or small remaining wrinkles in a plan. 'Hash out' refers to the fuller, more intensive process of working through something substantial from the ground up.

✗ After months of disagreement, they finally ironed out a completely new contract.
✓ After months of disagreement, they finally hashed out a completely new contract.
Placing a long noun phrase between 'hash' and 'out'

While short objects and pronouns separate naturally, very long or complex noun phrases sound awkward in the middle and work better after 'out'.

✗ We need to hash the exact financial terms of the proposed international partnership out.
✓ We need to hash out the exact financial terms of the proposed international partnership.

Usage

This phrasal verb is more common in American English; British speakers often prefer 'thrash out' for the same meaning. It is informal to neutral in register and suits spoken and semi-formal written contexts like business emails and news articles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'hash out' American English? Would British people say something different?

Yes, 'hash out' is predominantly American English and is most common in American spoken and written contexts. British English speakers tend to prefer 'thrash out' to convey the same idea of negotiating something thoroughly. Both are understood internationally, but if you are writing for a British audience, 'thrash out' may sound more natural.

Does 'hash out' always involve two or more people, or can one person 'hash out' a problem alone?

It almost always involves at least two parties. The verb implies a back-and-forth process of discussion and negotiation, not private thinking or solo problem-solving. If you are describing one person resolving something by themselves, a better choice would be 'work out' or 'figure out'.

Can 'hash out' be used for short, easy conversations?

No — using it for a quick or simple exchange would sound unnatural. 'Hash out' implies the discussion takes real effort and time, often with some degree of disagreement or complexity involved. For brief conversations, phrases like 'sort out' or 'talk over' are more appropriate.

What kinds of things can you 'hash out'?

Typically substantial, concrete matters that require negotiation: details, terms, a deal, a contract, a plan, a strategy, a compromise, differences, logistics, or a budget. The object is usually something that can be agreed upon or settled between parties. You would not typically 'hash out' an emotion or a vague idea.

Is 'hash out' suitable for formal business writing, or is it too informal?

It sits in an informal-to-neutral range, making it well-suited for business emails, journalism, and spoken professional contexts, but it may be too casual for highly formal documents such as legal contracts or academic papers. In those contexts, alternatives like 'negotiate', 'finalise', or 'reach agreement on' would be more appropriate.

Related Phrasal Verbs

thrash sth out
hammer sb/sth out

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