work wonders

Idioms

Succeed, produce a good outcome, as in The new coat of paint works wonders with this bedroom, or The physical therapy has worked wonders with these patients. Literally meaning “perform miracles,” this term has been used somewhat more loosely since the 1700s. Also see work like a charm.

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.

"And a good sense of humour can work wonders."

From BBC • Feb. 14, 2026

Four brisk walks weekly for 30 minutes, ideally outdoors, can work wonders.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 10, 2025

With the right amount, timing, and quality, it can work wonders -- strengthen the immune system, improve blood sugar, even decrease the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

From Science Daily • Nov. 26, 2024

Turning a forgotten part of the yard into a vegetable garden can work wonders for a child who spends too much time glued to a screen.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 3, 2024

It didn’t really work wonders on me, and she quit me soon after.

From "I Am the Messenger" by Markus Zusak

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023