Phrase guide

in the works

prep_phrase · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

prep_phrase

Meaning 1

Being planned or worked upon.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • They always have some wonderful new project in the works.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: in the hopper, on the anvil

Antonyms: none provided

2

prep_phrase

Meaning 2

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: In a mechanism or machine.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • Be careful not to get any debris in the works.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

4 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Finnish: työn alla — being worked upon
  • Irish: sna fonsaí tógála — being worked upon
  • Spanish: en bosquejo — being worked upon
  • Spanish: en proceso — being worked upon