1
general::
1. Accomplish by work or effort, as in I think we can work out a solution to this problem. [1500s] For work out all right, see TURN OUT ALL RIGHT. 2. Find a solution for, solve, as in They hoped to work out their personal differences, or Can you help me work out this equation? [Mid-1800s] 3. Formulate or develop, as in We were told to work out a new plan, or He's very good at working out complicated plots. [Early 1800s] 4. Discharge a debt by working instead of paying money, as in She promised she'd work out the rest of the rent by babysitting for them. [Second half of 1600s] 5. Prove effective or successful, as in I wonder if their marriage will work out. 6. Have a specific result, add up, as in It worked out that she was able to go to the party after all, or The total works out to more than a million. [Late 1800s] 7. Engage in strenuous exercise for physical conditioning, as in He works out with weights every other day. [1920s] 8. Exhaust a resource, such as a mine, as in This mine has been completely worked out. [Mid-1500s]
American Heritage Idioms
2
general::
Phrase(s): work out (all right)
Go to turn out (all right)., Phrase(s): work out (at something)
1. [for someone] to perform satisfactorily doing something in particular. • I hope I work out at my new job. • I’m sure you’ll work out. 2. to perform satisfactorily working in a particular location. • I hope I work out at the factory. I really need that job. • Things will work out at home in time., Phrase(s): work something out (with someone)
to come to an agreement with someone; to figure out with someone a way to do something. • I think we can work this out with you so that all of us are satisfied. • I will work out something with Karen. • I’m sure we can work it out., Phrase(s): work out (as something)
to perform satisfactorily in a particular role. • We all hope she works out as a security monitor. • I’m sure she will work out., Phrase(s): work out (somehow)
to result in a good conclusion; to finish positively. • Don’t worry. I am sure that everything will work out all right. • Things always work out in the end.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs