Phrase guide

come out in the wash

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

Of problems or difficulties, to work out, resolve, or become understood eventually and naturally.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • It may look like a huge mess now, but I expect that it will all come out in the wash as time goes on.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

Used to say that the truth will be revealed in the future.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • You can do everything you can to hide this, but everything comes out in the wash.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.