Sorting it out

[LargoKitt]

I'm fascinated by the different ways people use the idiom 'sort out', especially in the UK. It could be fun to sort out how many different ways people use this phrase. Pick one and give an example. If you like, describe what 'sort out' means in that context.

To start: "I'm sorting out my socks into those used for sports, those used for dress, and those used for work."

 

[GuiltyCowboy]

The ‘out’ feels redundant, certainly in the example you provided. A Brit would simply say ‘I’m sorting my socks into…’

Where a Brit would more likely say ‘sort out’ would be in the context of threatening to beat someone up. ‘I’m going to sort him out’ for example. But even then it could easily be abbreviated to ‘I’m going to sort him’. This is slang, of course, and it might be sliding into disuse…I don’t really spend much time with people who threaten to sort others.

 

[Rob_Royale]

"I've got things sorted."
Slang for, 'I have things handled here.'

 

[ElectricBlue]

I sorted the laundry into piles.

I sorted out some stuff that confused me - the same as saying, "Hey, I've just figured it out."

My non-scientific conclusion: sorted just by itself is an action, sorted out is a mental process. That's pretty much how I'd use both, I reckon.

 

[Kumquatqueen]

You're a semi-alcoholic nightmare who is about to get fired if you don't actually turn up to work on time, every day for the next week, sober enough to do your job. Sort it out.

So, dear husband, you've agreed to go on your mate's stag weekend the same time as you'd already told your parents you'd go to their golden wedding party. You're going to gave to disappoint one of them and I'm not doing your dirty work for you. Sort it out.

 

[Kumquatqueen]

You'd just sort your socks, but you might have to sort out wearable ones from unwearable ones after some had been left in a drawer for months and some had been attacked by moths.

 

[nice90sguy]

"You're looking a little... frustrated. Want me to sort you out?"

 

[Kumquatqueen]

Always important to be Sorted for E's & Wizz. So you need someone to sort you out.

 

[THBGato]

Nah, I'm a Brit and I would say "I sorted out the sock drawer" (especially if I was removing old pairs to put in the clothing recycling).

I'd also use it in terms of arranging appointments and supplies, e.g. "sorted out for Es and whizz" (Pulp).

Or I might tell someone to get their act together by saying "you need to sort it out".

It can be used as a threat (I wouldn't).

 

[THBGato]

Always important to be Sorted for E's & Wizz. So you need someone to sort you out.

Literally just mentioned that!

Also just about to go to a festival and wish I was! (But we're taking the kids, so we'll stick to a few ciders instead.)

 

[BobbyBrandt]

Someone needs to sort out the drama in this thread.

 

[Bazzle]

"I'm having a sort out"

Would be the response to the neighbour looking over the fence as the contents of the garage is spread over the driveway.

I would be "odd sock sorting" if I go anywhere near the sock drawer.

 

[MajorRewrite]

A manager for a a football team that is playing badly might tell them, “Sort your lives out!”

 

[yowser]

Mom, Jimmie and Cindy have their clothes off and are doing strange things to each other behind the barn!

Yeah, it's a bit sordid out there.

 

[Britva415]

To start: "I'm sorting out my socks into those used for sports, those used for dress, and those used for work."

I wouldn't use "sorting out" for that, I'd just say "sorting."

 

[Britva415]

I'm a Brit

Are there any situations where you'd just say "sort" and not "sort out?"

 

[Kumquatqueen]

Yeah, it's a bit sordid out there.

See it. Say it. Sorted.

(the slogan of British Transport Police asking you to report unattended luggage etc.)

Sorted and sort it are homophones in a non-posh London accent.

 

[Writer61]

"I sorted out the sock drawer" (especially if I was removing old pairs to put in the clothing recycling)

I think the sense of getting rid of things is important.

 

[Writer61]

Are there any situations where you'd just say "sort" and not "sort out?"

Yes. For example:

• "I am going to sort this list into alphabetical order"
• "I am going to sort my clothes into summer and winter outfits"

However:

• "I am going to sort out my life"
• "I am going to sort out clothes that don't fit any more"
• "I am going to sort out the faulty flush in the toilet"

 

[Kumquatqueen]

Yes. For example:

• "I am going to sort this list into alphabetical order"
• "I am going to sort my clothes into summer and winter outfits"

However:

• "I am going to sort out my life"
• "I am going to sort out clothes that don't fit any more"
• "I am going to sort out the faulty flush in the toilet"

I agree - sorting out is a wider activity than mere sorting.

I'd never say I'm going to sort out this list if I meant just sorting alphabetically, but if some numpty had added some people to a guest list who shouldn't have been there, and not added everyone who should be, and spelt half the names wrong, and generally left me with a big job to do - I'd have to sort out the list.

 

[GuiltyCowboy]

I agree - sorting out is a wider activity than mere sorting.

I'd never say I'm going to sort out this list if I meant just sorting alphabetically, but if some numpty had added some people to a guest list who shouldn't have been there, and not added everyone who should be, and spelt half the names wrong, and generally left me with a big job to do - I'd have to sort out the list.

Right, sort means to separate and sort out means to fix.

 

[Writer61]

Right, sort means to separate and sort out means to fix.

That's close to it, but see my second 'However' above.

 

[Kumquatqueen]

Right, sort means to separate and sort out means to fix.

With a lot of caveats and overlaps, but I suppose so.

 

[LunarSpawn]

We don't need your sort around here.