Definition of the word thrash out

The term "thrash out" is an idiom that originated in the mid-19th century in the United States. Its literal meaning is to "thrash out" a substance, such as grains or hay, by beating it with a implement to separate the desired material from unwanted debris. As the word "out" suggests, the idiomatic usage of "thrash out" refers to a discussion or argument in which ideas or solutions are vigorously debated and analyzed until a clear course of action is determined. This usage is derived from the sense of intense activity and energy associated with the physical act of thrashing out a substance. The phrase "thrash out" became popular in the mid-1800s and quickly gained traction in American English, as it captured the spirit of the critical and sometimes contentious debates that were a hallmark of American politics and public life during this era. Today, the idiom is still widely used in both American and British English, illustrating the enduring popularity of this colorful and evocative expression.