What is the meaning of the phrase ‘Iron out the kinks’?
Fix small or minor issues or flaws in a plan, system, or process.
What is the origin of the phrase ‘Iron out the kinks’?
According to etymologists, the word ‘Kink’ came into the English language in the 1670s. It is derived from the Dutch word ‘kink’, literally meaning ‘twist in a rope’ which is a nautical term used to describe knot-like contractions in rope or thread. The word is also found in French and Swedish.
The phrase ‘iron out kinks’ is said by some to have entered English parlance by the year 1751, when the Calendar Act was presented to the UK Parliament in order to ‘iron out the kinks’ in the Gregorian calendar. However, this is not confirmed.
In this instance, and indeed all instances, the phrase is a metaphor for smoothing things out, and putting matters in their correct shape. The phrase came to be used to describe rectifying any small or minor flaws or imperfections in anything from tangible items to laws, behaviours, events and systems. This is analogous to ironing wrinkles out of fabric.
The phrase ‘iron out kinks’ was established in American English much later at the turn of the 20th century, when it was used in newspapers, such as the New York Times, in an article by William Randolph Hearst published on October 23rd 1906.
What are some notable uses of the phrase ‘Iron out the kinks’?
The phrase ‘iron out the kinks’ continues to be used in a wide variety of contexts. For example, it has been used by celebrities such as Steve Jobs and Elon Musk in relation to perfecting their innovations, as well as by the former US President Barack Obama in relation to improving the US healthcare system.
The phrase was also used by Ernest Hemingway to describe his editing process, and the phrase has also been used by Walt Disney in relation to improving Disneyland.
