the works

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]

Example Sentences

The reduction had been in the works prior to the U.S. presidential election, she wrote, and “would be happening regardless of the recent election outcome.”

From Los Angeles Times

A third iteration, in partnership with IMAX, is also in the works.

From Los Angeles Times

She brought her work to the Washington Ballet and collaborated with choreographers Maurice Béjart and Jennifer Muller/The Works.

From Los Angeles Times

There have already been two Yellowstone spin-offs, with more in the works.

From BBC

It sounds like something is possibly in the works, though, with Reilly saying she "can't talk about the future because there are so many conversations happening".

From BBC

Related Words

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