work over

verb

1. tr, adverb to do again; repeat
2. intr, preposition to examine closely and thoroughly
3. slang.
   tr, adverb to assault or thrash

Idioms and Phrases

Beat up, as in The secret police worked him over and he's never been the same . [c. 1920]

Example Sentences

At the time, he anticipated that the task force, once assembled, would complete its work over about three months.

From Los Angeles Times

He told her he was working over Christmas in a secretive military role, training foreign soldiers, but wanted to stay in touch with her during the festive season.

From BBC

But there is a sense they rely on such off-the-cuff improvisation, rather than the methodical working over and opening up of opponents.

From BBC

He gave England's Will Stuart a working over in some scrums in the summer.

From BBC

She started "prioritising work over sixth form", could not keep track of her schoolwork or exams, her attendance suffered and she ended up leaving.

From BBC

Related Words

• advise
• assure
• cajole
• coax
• enlist
• entice
• exhort
• get
• impress
• incline
• induce
• influence
• prompt
• satisfy
• sway
• urge
• woo