1.
If you ~ a solution to a problem or mystery, you manage to find the solution by thinking or talking about it.
Negotiators are due to meet later today to ~ a compromise...
It took me some time to ~ what was causing this...
‘How will you contact me?’—‘We haven’t worked that out yet.’
= figure out
PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V P wh, V n P
•
If you have something all worked out, you have thought about it carefully, and know exactly what you are going to do or exactly what you want.
I had the ideal man all worked out in my mind.
PHRASE: have inflects
2.
If you ~ the answer to a mathematical problem, you calculate it.
It is proving hard to ~ the value of bankrupt firms’ assets...
When asked what a ?40.35 meal for five people would cost each diner, they were unable to work it out.
= calculate
PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V n P
3.
If something works out at a particular amount, it is calculated to be that amount after all the facts and figures have been considered.
The price per pound works out at ?3.20...
It will probably ~ cheaper to hire a van and move your own things.
PHRASAL VERB: V P at amount, V P adj
4.
If a situation works out well or works out, it happens or progresses in a satisfactory way.
Things just didn’t ~ as planned...
One of the ways people experience loss is when relationships don’t ~.
PHRASAL VERB: V P prep/adv, V P
5.
If a process works itself out, it reaches a conclusion or satisfactory end.
People involved in it think it’s a nightmare, but I’m sure it will work itself out.
PHRASAL VERB: V pron-refl P
6.
If you ~ your service or your notice, you continue to work at your job until you have completed a specified period of time.
There was an interim before her successor actually came because she had to ~ her notice.
PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), also V n P
7.
If you ~, you do physical exercises in order to make your body fit and strong.
Work out at a gym or swim twice a week.
= exercise
PHRASAL VERB: V P
8.
see also workout