WORK OUT

{v. phr.} 1. To find an answer to. * /John worked out his math problems all by himself./ * /Mary had trouble getting along with her roommate, but they worked it out./ Compare: FIGURE OUT. 2. To plan; develop. * /Mary worked out a beautiful design for a sweater./ * /Alice worked out a new hair-do./ 3. To accomplish; arrange. * /The engineers worked out a system for getting electricity to the factory./ 4. To be efficient; get results. * /If the traffic plan works out, it will be used in other cities too./ 5. To exercise. * /John works out in the gym two hours every day./