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

Trustees of the Sir Percival David Foundation, which owns the works, are to donate 1,700 pieces following a 15-year loan to the London museum.

From BBC

The works have been on loan to the museum since 2009 and on show in the specially designed bilingual Room 95.

From BBC

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

Related Words

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