From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
sort out
v 1: arrange or order by classes or categories; "How would you
classify these pottery shards--are they prehistoric?" [syn:
classify, class, sort, assort, sort out,
separate]
2: make free from confusion or ambiguity; make clear; "Could you
clarify these remarks?"; "Clear up the question of who is at
fault" [syn: clear, clear up, shed light on,
crystallize, crystallise, crystalize, crystalise,
straighten out, sort out, enlighten, illuminate,
elucidate]
3: punish in order to gain control or enforce obedience; "The
teacher disciplined the pupils rather frequently" [syn:
discipline, correct, sort out]