the works

Idioms  

1. Everything, the full range of possibilities, as in He ordered a pizza with the works , or All right, tell me, give me the works on it . This usage derives from works in the sense of “a complete set of parts for a machine or mechanism.” [ Colloquial ; late 1800s]

2. A beating or other severe treatment. This usage is often put as give someone the works , as in They took him outside and gave him the works . [ Slang ; first half of 1900s]

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Example Sentences

Of the major cruise companies, at least two have indicated to MarketWatch that surcharges are not in the works.

From MarketWatch

Then last year, they achieved a goal long in the works: direct training for 988 counselors.

From Los Angeles Times

A number of other big transactions are in the works.

From The Wall Street Journal

Kotagiri said Magna has taken steps to make its manufacturing system more flexible, and to ensure the company has a diverse mix of products in the works.

From The Wall Street Journal

“Scrubs” had been in the works for a long time.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• all-inclusive
• broad
• complete
• encyclopedic
• exhaustive
• extensive
• far-reaching
• full
• global
• overall
• sweeping
• thorough