sort out

verb

1. 1

   make free from confusion or ambiguity; make clear

   Could you clarify these remarks?

   Clear up the question of who is at fault

2. 2

   arrange or order by classes or categories

   How would you classify these pottery shards--are they prehistoric?

3. 3

   punish in order to gain control or enforce obedience

   The teacher disciplined the pupils rather frequently