overhaul
verb (used with object)
to make necessary repairs on; restore to serviceable condition.
had been overhauling
-
past perfect progressiveof overhaul.past perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that was ongoing continuously in the past up until another past event interrupted it.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
His focus had been overhauling the country’s Soviet-legacy law enforcement system to stamp out corruption and provide better service.
From New York Times ● Jan. 18, 2023
He had been overhauling a bathroom at the deli across the street, and popped in to see if fresh work loomed.
From New York Times ● Jan. 16, 2010
Bob meanwhile had been overhauling the various curios in the little parlour, where the invalid was lying, this being the first time he had been there.
From Bob Strong's Holidays Adrift in the Channel by Greene, John B.
It did not take long to find the very articles she was after; evidently Oliphant had been overhauling them on that last excursion from his room.
From Literary Love-Letters and Other Stories by Herrick, Robert
Since the boys returned from vacation, Scotty had been overhauling the engines on the two motorboats which were used, along with Rick's plane, for communication with Whiteside, the nearest town on the mainland.
From Smugglers' Reef by Blaine, John
