สะสาง

Explanation

The central image is of working through something that has piled up or become tangled, leaving no unresolved business behind. Common objects include งานที่ค้างอยู่ (unfinished work), ปัญหา (a problem), คดี (a case), and เรื่องเก่า ๆ (old unresolved matters). It implies more than simply doing something: the matter has usually been pending or complicated, and the goal is to bring it to completion. Some dictionaries give meanings such as “revise” or “correct.” It is not normally used for revising an essay or reviewing for an exam, however. Such translations fit contexts where accumulated problems in a system or organization are examined and corrected. With old disputes or grudges, the word can take on the stronger sense of settling old scores or bringing a conflict to a final reckoning.

Usage

It is commonly used when clearing a backlog after time away, resolving a long-standing problem, or investigating and closing an unresolved case. In news reports and fiction, it may also describe settling an old conflict or grudge. Common patterns are สะสาง followed by the pending matter, and สะสาง + object + ให้เสร็จ or ให้เรียบร้อย.

Caution

For physically tidying a room or desk, เก็บ, จัด, or จัดห้อง is usually more natural. When used with a grudge or an old dispute, สะสาง may suggest confrontation or revenge, so it should be used carefully if peaceful reconciliation is intended.

1 clear up (unfinished work) synonyms

• คลี่คลาย

  คลี่คลาย can describe a complicated situation gradually becoming clearer or easing. สะสาง usually presents someone as actively sorting out and settling the matter.

• จัดการ

  càt kaan handle

  จัดการ is a broad verb meaning “handle” or “deal with.” สะสาง specifically emphasizes clearing accumulated or unresolved matters and bringing them to a conclusion.

• แก้ไข

  แก้ไข focuses on correcting, fixing, or improving something. สะสาง focuses on sorting through accumulated or tangled matters until they are no longer unresolved.