iron
noun 1 a strong, hard magnetic silvery-grey metal, used in construction and manufacturing. 2 a tool or implement made of iron. 3 a hand-held implement with a flat heated steel base, used to smooth clothes and linen. 4 a golf club used for lofting the ball. 5 (irons) fetters or handcuffs. verb 1 smooth (clothes) with an iron. 2 (iron out) settle (a difficulty or problem). PHRASES have many (or other) irons in the fire have a range of options or interests. an iron hand (or fist) in a velvet glove firmness or ruthlessness cloaked in outward gentleness. ORIGIN Old English.
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