work in

British  

verb

1. to insert or become inserted

   she worked the patch in carefully

2. (tr) to find space for

   I'll work this job in during the day

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noun

1. a form of industrial action in which a factory that is to be closed down is occupied and run by its workers

work in Idioms  

1. Insert or introduce, as in As part of their presentation they worked in a request for funding the exhibit . Similarly, work into means “insert or introduce into something else,” as in She worked more flour into the mixture . [Late 1600s]

2. Make time for in a schedule, as in The dentist said he would try to work her in this morning . Here, too, work into is sometimes used, as in She had to work two emergency cases into her morning schedule . [Mid-1700s]

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Example Sentences

However, when the goal is to increase energy expenditure and reduce fat accumulation, this type of inefficiency can actually work in the body's favor.

From Science Daily • Jul. 3, 2026

"Progress happens with dedication over time and putting the work in," Dean said.

From BBC • Jul. 3, 2026

The central argument of “Democracy Matters,” situated in a single, capacious, airy gallery, is largely unassailable: that our democracy has always been aspirational—a work in progress too often undercut by U.S. laws and practices.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 2, 2026

For Celenza, that approach is a recommitment to what made Struggle Meals work in the first place: practical, approachable recipes that taste good and reduce kitchen anxiety.

From Salon • Jul. 2, 2026

It wasn't because he failed to make things work in Mexico.

From Nazi Saboteurs by Samantha Seiple

Related Words

• break
• break off
• cut off
• cut short
• delay
• discontinue
• disturb
• halt
• heckle
• hinder
• hold up
• impede
• prevent
• punctuate
• stop
• suspend