It will thrash out problems caused when the British government takes a decision which affects something which is the assemblies' responsibility, and will discuss the treatment of devolved matters in different parts of Britain.

ECONOMIST: The constitution

Then it will try to thrash out a compromise.

ECONOMIST: Basle bust-up

That, in effect, gives the Union a mere six months in which to thrash out some of the biggest reforms it has ever made a decidedly tall order.

ECONOMIST: European Union

Nothing will change before the election, and there is probably not enough time after it and before the end of the year for lawmakers to thrash out a proper budget deal.

ECONOMIST: Business and America��s fiscal cliff

But it's not just a case of there being too little time to thrash out an agreement.

BBC: Eurozone leaders to begin crucial bail-out fund talks

It was recognised that the market had been made less liquid by the time and expense needed to thrash out the details of most deals.

ECONOMIST: Credit derivatives