1.
If you work out 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 work out a compromise...
It took me some time to work out 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 work out the answer to a mathematical problem, you calculate it.
It is proving hard to work out 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 work out 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 work out as planned...
One of the ways people experience loss is when relationships don’t work out.
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 work out 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 work out her notice.
PHRASAL VERB : V P n (not pron) , also V n P
7.
If you work out , 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