work1 verbwork2 noun
workwork1 /wɜːk $ wɜːrk/ ●●● S1 W1 verb 
WORD ORIGINwork1
Origin:
Old English wyrcanVERB TABLE
work
| Simple Form | ||
| Present | I, you, we, they | work |
| he, she, it | works | |
| Past | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | worked |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have worked |
| he, she, it | has worked | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had worked |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will work |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have worked |
| Continuous Form | ||
| Present | I | am working |
| he, she, it | is working | |
| you, we, they | are working | |
| Past | I, he, she, it | was working |
| you, we, they | were working | |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have been working |
| he, she, it | has been working | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had been working |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will be working |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have been working |
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- "I can't open the jar." "Try putting it in hot water. That sometimes works."
- an organization that is working to preserve California's redwood trees
- Are you prepared to work longer hours occasionally, to get the work done?
- Does anyone here know how to work this microwave?
- Does the old tape recorder still work?
- Does the TV work?
- Five mornings a week, she worked on campus.
- For nineteen years, my father worked for the General Electric Corporation.
- Four teachers agreed to work without pay until things were settled.
- Frank's been working here for 32 years.
- He's changed his job and is now working as a consultant for a German firm.
- He only works three days a week now.
- Her father was an artist who sometimes worked as a salesman and labourer.
- His illness eventually prevented him from working.
- I'd never worked in a lab before I came here.
- I've been working all day in the garden.
- I've tried several different diets, but none of them seem to work.
- I bought a bottle of stain remover, and it worked like magic.
- I have no idea how to work these new phones.
- I have to work on Saturday too.
- Even where reform has been radical, it has not always worked.
- It is the people who work in the institutions who are most exposed to our dislike.
- MacArthur says that the husband alone should work outside the home.
- Not all cancer patients prefer to continue working while undergoing treatment.
- The research represents the second stage of cross-national collaborative studies undertaken by colleagues working in education in a number of countries.
- Voice over 16 officers are still working on the case full time.
Longman Language Activatorwork that someone does as part of their job
the things that you have to do in your job, which need time and effort: · What kind of work are you looking for?· He liked the work, and he was good at it too.do some/more etc work: · Scott's doing some work for me at the moment, as it happens.· I didn't get much work done today.· Being in the police isn't all action. Administration is a large part of the work we do.personnel/secretarial/bar etc work: · Have you ever done bar work before?· He's doing construction work these days.· It's clerical work mainly -- pretty boring.voluntary/charity work (=work that you do not get paid for): · She does two afternoons voluntary work at the playgroup. · Are you still involved in charity work?extra/more/additional work: · The last thing I want is extra work.
work that you do in your job, especially work that involves buying and selling, travelling to different places, or discussing things such as contracts with people: · I was in London last month because I had some business there.· Gerald left, saying he had some important business to attend to.· Some insurance companies offer lower rates for drivers who do not use their cars for business.· "Is this trip for business or pleasure?" "Business, I'm afraid."do business: · The paper claims to provide proof that some drug lords are doing business from their jail cells.business trip/meeting/traveller etc: · "Where's Michael?" "He's at a business meeting."· This is strictly a business trip.· Our main market is the business traveler looking for cheap overnight accommodation. on business (=for business, not pleasure): · I have to go to Tokyo next month on business.
the various things that you have to do as part of your job - used especially in contracts or other official documents: somebody's duties: · In addition to secretarial and general office work, your duties will include providing the directors with refreshments.· As soon as she returned home from her honeymoon, she resumed her medical duties at the clinic.go about/perform/fulfil duties: · A teacher can be dismissed for not performing his or her contractual duties.· She is a member of staff, and like all of us, she has duties to fulfil.· I admired him, especially because of the way he went about his duties efficiently.suspend somebody/relieve somebody from duties (=to stop them doing their job for a period of time): · Three instructors have been suspended from duties while sexual harassment charges are investigated.· Nine officers were relieved of their duties after McDuffie's death.
work that a student does the work that a student has to do at home as part of their studies: · My brother always used to help me with my homework.do (your) homework: · I'm sorry Gail, but Amber has to stay home and do her homework.· Oh, I've got so much homework to do!· Did you get your homework done Jason?have homework: · I don't have any homework tonight.· Have you got a lot of homework then?for homework: · For homework, I'd like you to finish exercises 2 and 3 on page 24.English/geography etc homework: · Dave, have you done your French homework?
the work that a student does when they are at school, rather than work they do at home: · Mrs Hoffmann, I'm calling about Mike's classwork. There are some problems.· The units are ideal for classwork, but can also be used by students at home.
all the work that a student has to do for their studies: · Johnny's had a lot of problems at home recently and it's starting to affect his schoolwork.· The program combines schoolwork with job experience.· Tim, a third-grader, had difficulty with his schoolwork, and also found it hard to make friends.
British the work that a student has to do for the course that they are studying, especially when this is compared with work done in examinations: · Half of the marks are for the exam, the rest are for coursework.· None of the coursework seemed to have much relevance to being a nurse in a busy hospital.· I'm just so behind on the coursework.
formal the work that a student does at a school or university: somebody's studies: · After the war, he resumed his studies at the University of Turin.· Her parents insisted that she give up the vacation job, as they felt it was interfering with her studies.finish/complete your studies: · After completing her studies at the University, she worked as a nurse for six years.
work that you have to do in your home work that needs to be done in your home, for example, cleaning, washing clothes, or keeping rooms tidy: · None of her kids ever help with the housework.· I've got to catch up on the housework this weekend.do housework: · Well, I did all my housework this morning, though you wouldn't think it to look at the place now.
the things that you have to do in your home, for yourself or your family: · The garden needs a bit more work, but it's almost finished.· Use the best tools and materials you can afford to give a professional finish to your DIY work.do some/any more/a bit of etc work: · 'Where's Dave?' 'He's outside, doing some work on the car, I think.'work on: · I'm not doing any more work on the house this year, I can't be bothered.
a piece of work done by an artist, musician etc something such as a painting, film, book, or long piece of music produced by an artist, writer etc: · The painting is one of Picasso's earlier works.· A major new work by one of Poland's leading film directors will be shown next Saturday.work of art (=a painting or sculpture, especially a famous, important, or very valuable one): · The highest price paid for a work of art was the £30.2 million for Van Gogh's 'Irises'.complete works of somebody (=all the things that someone has produced): · the complete works of William Shakespeare
something that has been produced by an artist, musician, or writer, for example a painting or drawing or a short piece of music or writing: · The concert began with three short pieces by the Brazilian composer Villa-Lobos.· The collection includes pieces in both oils and watercolours, with a range of still life paintings.piece of music/writing/work etc : · Another typical piece of Owen's work is the poem, 'The Sentry'.· a truly impressive piece of Greek sculpture
the effort involved in working · David tries to avoid work at all times.· It seems to be an awful lot of work to keep this place looking tidy.hard work · Finally, I would like to thank all the staff for their hard work this year.· My daughter gained her grades through sheer hard work and determination.put work into something · His last few speeches had been awful, and he knew he had to put more work into them.· Phil has had the car for two years and has put hours of work into it.a considerable/huge/immense etc amount of work · A considerable amount of work was necessary to establish even this basic framework.· The students have put a huge amount of work into the scheme.good/sterling work (=used to say that the effort someone has made is good) · Well done Peter -- keep up the good work.· I hope you'll join me in paying tribute to the sterling work done by the committee this year.
the physical or mental energy that is needed to do something: · It seemed like a lot of effort for a very small gain.· His last piece does require some effort from the listener, but it's well worth it.with effort: · He mounted the slope with effort, breathing hard.a waste of effort: · I could have told you it would be a waste of effort.put effort in/into something: · After all the effort I put in, they had better be satisfied!· Vicki has hardly put in any effort, yet she's expecting the same rewards as everyone else.take/require effort: · This exercise isn't difficult - it shouldn't require much effort.· The former method takes a bit more effort, but the results are more reliable.be (well) worth the effort (=use this when the energy you use is worth using, because the result is good): · Children are hard work, of course, but worth the effort.· The climb is arduous, but well worth the effort, as the views from the top are spectacular.time and effort: · I've spent a lot of time and effort getting this far. I'm not giving up now.
British /labor American hard physical work, such as digging, lifting, or cleaning: · Many women do all the work in the home, and their labour is unpaid.· Marx defined the working class as people who sell their labour to employers.manual/physical labour: · You don't look as if you could do physical labor.farm/agricultural labour: · rising opportunities in agricultural labor in the North
the hard work and loyalty that someone gives to an organization, activity, or piece of work, because they really care about it and believe in it: · Thanks to your energy and commitment, the fundraiser was a great success.commitment to: · Your commitment to the project is very much appreciated by management.total/absolute/full commitment: · He is adamant that he wants total commitment and effort in the build-up to the match.· Lawrence promised full commitment in his drive to make Santa Barbara College the most successful school in the region.
unpleasant or boring work things that you have to do every day, especially as part of your job, which are boring and make you feel tired: grind of: · Work feels like such a grind lately.· The relentless grind of hard labour and ill-health had taken its toll on Booth. the daily grind: · The daily grind of meetings and tutorials went on.hard grind British: · The Prime Minister is pictured taking a break from the hard grind of political life.
British use this to say that work is difficult, boring, and tiring: · The journey across the valley to the farm is going to be a slog.hard/long slog: · It's a hard slog isn't it? I wish we'd got further yesterday.· Cutting all the wood before nightfall was a long, hard slog.
British /grunt work American informal work that is boring or takes a lot of time and effort, but that has to be done as part of a job or larger piece of work: · I was doing grunt work for the secretary in the department, twenty hours a week.· The real donkey work was actually done by those guys.
work that is hard and unpleasant because it is very boring, takes a long time to do, and often involves a lot of physical effort: · Technological advances have taken much of the drudgery out of the assembly line and car plant.· What seemed a promising job turned into months of boredom and drudgery.the drudgery of something: · The data management system has eliminated much of the drudgery of filing.· Calculators were introduced to relieve students of the drudgery of pencil-and-paper number-crunching.
formal difficult and boring work that takes a long time: · Here began their arduous toil to force a living from the land.· man's desire for freedom from physical toil
to do a job that you get paid for · I haven't worked since I had my first child seven years ago.· His illness eventually prevented him from working.· Four teachers agreed to work without pay until things were settled.work for · For nineteen years, my father worked for the General Electric Corporation.· The company Jack worked for gave him fully paid leave during his wife's illness.work in/on/at · I'd never worked in a lab before I came here.· Five mornings a week, she worked on campus.· Over the years, I'd gotten used to all the perks of working at a posh downtown Miami law firm.work as a consultant/secretary/builder etc · He's changed his job and is now working as a consultant for a German firm.· Her father was an artist who sometimes worked as a salesman and labourer.work somewhere · Sorry, Bethany doesn't work here any more.· Where do you work?work long hours/Sundays/nights/full-time etc · He only works three days a week now.· There's always someone in -- I'm working nights so I'm here in the days.· I was working full-time, so I didn't see much of my girlfriend.· Are you prepared to work longer hours occasionally, to get the work done?work hard · My staff work hard, and they trust me. That's important.
if someone is a teacher, farmer, doctor etc, that is their job: · "What do you do?" "I'm a journalist."· She was a teacher for over twenty years.· Before becoming a writer, Schwarz had been a cook, a cab driver and a door-to-door salesman.
: go into teaching/nursing/politics/journalism etc to start working as a teacher, nurse etc, because you have decided that this is the job you would like to do: · Janet says she'd like to go into teaching after she finishes college.· Mills was wealthy even before he went into politics.· Snyder went into business for herself as an independent consultant.
British /practice American to work in a professional job as a doctor, lawyer, dentist etc: · Although he is a qualified dentist, he ceased to practice several years ago.· Kingsley has been practising from the London Hydrotherapy Centre since 1960.practise medicine/law etc: · I graduated from Manchester Law school and practised law with the firm of Arthur & Madden of Birmingham.practise as: · A small proportion of those who complete their training do not practise as doctors.
to do work that is not part of your job to do an activity that needs effort and takes time: · I've been working all day in the garden.· We had to work non-stop to get the boat ready for the race.work on: · I have to work on the Jeep over the weekend.
: do the housework/gardening/cleaning etc to do work that must be done regularly in your home: · I'm always the one who does the cooking and cleaning and stuff around here.· It's about time the laundry was done.· Hey, the washing-up's been done. That must have been Cynthia.
to be at the place where you work to be doing your job at the place where you work, especially at a factory, office etc owned by your employer: · I'm afraid Fran's not here at the moment -- he's at work.· What time do you have to be at work?· I'll tell you, I wish I had these DAT machines at work.
to be at work in a job where there must always be someone working, for example if you are a nurse or a police officer: · You can't drink while you're on duty.on duty 24 hours/from 6.00 p.m./on Mondays etc: · I'm on duty from 8 a.m. on Monday till 12 midday on Thursday.· We're on duty tonight at half past ten.
if someone goes somewhere on business , they go somewhere as part of their job, especially to another city or country: · She drives to Tijuana several times a month on business.· The family was living in the Palace Hotel in Japan because my father was there on business.· Do you travel abroad on business more than three times a year?be away on business: · With her husband frequently away on business, Berenice turns to a close friend for help and support.
if someone such as a doctor, lawyer, or engineer is on call , they can be telephoned and will work if they are needed: · Doctor Lalor won't be at the surgery this afternoon, but she's on call until midnight.· If the machine breaks down at any time, there's always a technician on call.· Construction managers must be on call to deal with emergencies. be on call 24 hours a day/3 days a week etc: · Resident managers live in hotels and are on call 24 hours a day.
a piece of work that you have to do a specific piece of work that you have to do, often one that you are not paid for: · Repairing the roof -- that's going to be the biggest job.· Cleaning the car's one of my least favorite jobs.do a job: · Well, I must go now. I've lots of jobs to do around the house.do a good/nice/beautiful etc job (=do a job well): · I always take my car to York Street garage. They're expensive, but they do a good job.· Irene did a nice job on those clothes didn't she?get on with a job (=continue doing a job): · He didn't complain or criticize, he just got on with the job.odd jobs (=jobs of different kinds that are not regular): · He does odd jobs for people in his spare time.the job in/at hand (=the job you have to do at the moment): · Let's just concentrate on the job in hand, shall we?· She was upset, and found it difficult to keep her mind on the job at hand.
formal a piece of work that you have to do - use this especially about a difficult or unpleasant job, or about a specific part of your work: · One of the first tasks Eva set herself was learning the local language.impossible/difficult/arduous etc task: · The UN Peacekeeping Force faces an almost impossible task.· We knew what had to be done, but it wasn't an easy task.task of: · Recovery crews continued the grim task of retrieving bodies from the wreckage. face/begin/continue a task: · By 2001, we had begun the task of collecting the materials and information needed for the study.· This is one of the most difficult and complex tasks we face.perform a task/carry out a task: · Most of the workers did not have the skills required to perform the most basic tasks.· The massacre was never fully investigated because the police were incapable of carrying out the task.thankless task (=one that no one wants to do because they will get no satisfaction from it): · Who on earth would volunteer for such a thankless task?
a job that you have to do, either for your work or for yourself, especially things that you have to leave your office or house to do: · I'll pick the laundry up on Saturday -- I have some shopping to do anyway.· I've got some work to do this evening.
something that you have to do, especially something that involves writing or drawing and a lot of thinking: do/hand in/submit a piece of work: · Do you actually fail the year if you don't hand in a piece of work?· I've got a merit for every piece of work I've done.good/excellent etc piece of work: · I think this is a very fine piece of work and it deserves a first class mark.· Look at that piece of work and ask yourself the question -- 'Is this the best I can do?'
a piece of work that someone gives you to do, as part of your job or as part of your studies: · Bart's first assignment for the newspaper was to report on the French elections.· This is a really tough assignment, and I believe you're the only person who can handle it.finish/complete an assignment: · She stayed late to complete a class assignment.history/homework/school/military etc assignment: · Robin spent many lunch hours poring over her math assignments.· I eventually got a teaching assignment at Xibei.one-year/two week etc assignment: · 'I figure this will either make or break us,' Cheyne said of the 1-year assignment to get the camp up and running.
an unpleasant or boring job, especially one that you have to do regularly in your home: · Washing the kitchen floor was a daily chore, and it was the one I hated most.· When we opened the store, our ambition was to make shopping less of a chore, more of a pleasure.· When I got old enough I started to have chores around the house.do the/your chores (=do all the cleaning etc that needs doing in a home): · Michael, come on. Do your chores, bud.household chores (=chores in the home, such as cleaning or cooking): · Husbands should be prepared to do their share of the household chores.
a small job that you need to do or that someone has asked you to do, such as buying something, posting something, taking somebody to a place etc: do/run an errand (for somebody): · Before you disappear, I want you to do an errand for me.· Peter cleaned equipment, ran errands, answered the phone -- it was all routine.· I used to pick up her dry cleaning and run errands for her.
something that you have a responsibility to do, especially as a regular part of your job: · For the most part, there was not much to do, other than cleanup duty around the prison camp.· Part of a park ranger's official duties is to ensure public safety.· clerical and secretarial dutieshave a duty to do something formal: · Teachers have a duty to ensure that students are not injured whilst they are in their care.perform a duty: · And now I have a very pleasant duty to perform. I am going to present the prizes to the winning competitors.tour of duty (=a period of time that a soldier or other member of the armed forces spends in a particular place): · He recently completed a tour of duty in Seoul as assistant to the US ambassador there.
an important piece of work an important piece of work that an organization, group, or person plans carefully in order to achieve a particular aim over a long period of time: · The federal government will help fund this immense project, which includes the building of 150 day-care centers.· The government scrapped the project after ruling that the costs were too high.· I've been working on the Inner City Development Project for the last five years.educational/construction/research etc project: · a joint US--British research project· These are encouraging signs that the ballpark project is moving from blueprint to reality.
an important job that someone is sent to do in another place, especially for a military or political purpose: · He was immediately sent to Paris. His mission was to negotiate a ceasefire.· He volunteered to embark on a dangerous secret mission into occupied France.· a rescue mission to salvage a satellitecombat/military mission: · I flew on over 280 combat missions in two wars, so I'm used to danger.
a big or important job, which you decide or agree to do, and which you will be responsible for: huge/major/big etc undertaking: · In the late 1980s, the US embarked on a major undertaking: the human genome project.· Everybody needs to realise that this is a huge undertaking.· Covering an Olympics is an extraordinary undertaking for any television company.
to give someone work to do if you give someone a job, some work etc, you offer them the job, work etc, or ask them to do it for you: give somebody something: · I asked Joel's teacher if we should give him some Level 4 work.· We were given some grammar assignments for homework.give something to somebody: · Angie did a really good interview, but they gave the job to someone with more experience.give somebody something to do/give something to somebody to do: · What can I give Helen to do? She's finished the filing.· OK, you open the parcels. That'll give you something to do.· 'Have you peeled the carrots?' 'No, I gave them to Dad to do.'
formal to give a particular job to a particular person: be assigned something: · You have been assigned the task of keeping the records up to date.· After her promotion took effect, she was assigned a research job.be assigned to somebody: · The job of producing a development program was assigned to the junior minister.· He was asked to assign two of his employees to the inventory control department.
especially British if a teacher or employer sets you a piece of work, they give it to you to do, and you must finish it by a particular time or date: set homework/a task/work etc: · Mr Harris always sets a lot of homework.· Is that all -- or has she set some other task for you as well?· Anneka was set the huge task by Christian Aid on behalf of a family who fled from war-torn Mozambique.set somebody something: · She set us some work to do in groups.· At the end of the session, they were set a homework task.
to appoint someone to do a piece of work for you, for example to write a report or to produce some artistic or scientific work: · The Philadelphia Medical Society commissioned a report on alcoholism.be commissioned for/by/from etc: · His 'Landscapes' Symphony was commissioned for the inaugural concert of the Shepherd School.· Seventy-five percent of Americans think that women are more sensual than men, according to a survey commissioned by Revlon.· The Left-Hand Piano Concerto was the first of several works commissioned from distinguished composers.commission somebody to do something: · In 1506, Bramante was commissioned by Pope Julius II to rebuild St Peter's church.· The gallery is housed in the new wing, which he commissioned Adams to build 18 years ago.
also lumber somebody with British informal to give someone an unpleasant or difficult job to do: be/get saddled with something: · Campaign adviser Ken Polaski has been saddled with the job of explaining the recent presidential gaffes.· 'I'm sorry you've been lumbered with running me back home,' said Ashley stiffly.saddle something with something: · The Hong Kong Rugby Union has saddled Simpkin with the post of national coach to the ailing team.
to find or calculate the answer to a question to find the correct answer to a question, problem, or sum by thinking about it carefully or doing calculations: · I'm never going to solve this puzzle - it's impossible.· According to Greek legend, it was Oedipus who solved the riddle of the Sphinx.
to find the answer, usually a number or amount, to a calculation: work/figure something out: · It's all right, I don't need a calculator. I can work it out in my head.· I'm sure they owe me more money than that - I'll have to sit down and figure it out.work out/figure out something: · Using a calculator, work out the answers to the following questions.
machines, cars, phones etc that do not work if a machine or piece of equipment is not working or doesn't work , it does not do the job it is supposed to do: · The phone's not working.· Our car isn't working at the moment, so I've been taking the bus.· The elevator doesn't seem to be working - let's take the stairs.· The headlights don't work and the brakes need fixing.· This camera doesn't work - I'll have to take it back to the store.
if there is something wrong with a machine, car etc, it does not work properly, but you do not know exactly why: · There's something wrong with my car: I think it might be the battery.· There was something wrong with the photocopier, so we called in the service company.have something wrong with something: · If the VCR has something wrong with it, take it back to the store.
not working - use this especially about a small machine or a small piece of equipment: · "What's the time?" "I don't know, my watch is broken."· I think the doorbell must be broken - I didn't hear anything.· a broken dishwasher
if a machine, especially one used by the public, is out of order it is not working for a temporary period: · Every phone I tried was out of order.· The toilets are almost always out of order.
especially British if a vehicle or machine is out of action , it cannot be used at the moment because it is broken: · Three of our tanks are out of action.· These planes may be out of action for a week, just for regular maintenance.· Our washing machine's out of action at the moment, so we use the laundry down the road.
if a computer system is down , it is not working: · The computer system was down all afternoon so we went home.go down (=stop working): · The network went down at 11:00 and we lost the whole morning's work.
informal also be on the fritz American informal if a piece of electrical equipment such as a television or washing machine is on the blink or on the fritz , it sometimes works and sometimes does not: · My TV's on the blink again.go on the blink/fritz: · The car's air conditioning went on the fritz just as we reached Dallas.
informal a machine, car etc that is temperamental works some of the time but not all the time: · Jo's car is very temperamental in the mornings. Sometimes it starts and sometimes it doesn't.· The only heating was from a temperamental iron stove in the centre of each hut.
British is gone American if you say that part of a machine, especially a car, has gone or is gone , you mean that it has stopped working properly: · I'm not sure what's wrong with my car - I think the clutch has gone.· If the gearbox is gone it'll cost you a fortune.· "What's that noise?" "It sounds like the suspension's going."
if you say that a machine has had it you mean that it is completely broken and cannot be repaired: · I'm afraid the stereo's had it.
British busted especially American broken or badly damaged: · Our television's bust, and so's the radio.· There's no point in trying to mend it, it's completely bust.· You can't record anything - the VCR's busted.· a busted air-conditioner
to control machines, equipment, or vehicles to make a vehicle work: · She's a good driver and controls the car very well.· He was having trouble controlling the heavy truck on the slippery road surface.
formal to control a large or complicated machine or piece of equipment: · Don't worry - everyone will be shown how to operate the new machines.· Do you know how to operate the air conditioning?· They passed a cement mixer that was being operated by two men in dusty overalls.
to make a complicated machine or piece of equipment do what it is meant to do: · Does anyone here know how to work this microwave?· Simon showed me how to work the video player.
if someone is at the controls of a large vehicle or plane, they are driving it, flying it etc: be at the controls of: · The pilot remained at the controls of his plane even when it became clear that a crash was inevitable.· When we were kids we used to sit in a cardboard box, pretending to be at the controls of a spaceship.
to calculate an amount or price to find out how much something will cost, how long something will take etc by using numbers: · Their accountant calculated the total cost of the project.calculate how much/how many/how far etc: · I began calculating how long it would take to get to the airport if I left at 4:00.calculate that: · Sally calculated that she needed $300 to pay all her bills.
also figure out American especially spoken to calculate an answer, amount, price, or value: work/figure out something: · I always use a calculator to work out percentages.· Has anyone been able to figure out the answer to number seven?work/figure something out: · "How much do I owe you?" "I haven't worked it out yet."work out how much/how many/how far etc: · We need to work out how much food we'll need to take with us.· I spent all of last night trying to figure out how much this wedding is going to cost me.
British informal to calculate a particular total: make it 250/20 kilos/$50 etc: · "How much do I owe you for the meal?'' "I make it $10.50.''· Will you count these figures again? I make the total 248, but Chris made it 249.
American to calculate an amount: · He needs to sit down and figure out how many people are coming.· There has been criticism about the current method for figuring social security retirement benefits.
to guess an amount, price, or number as exactly as you can: · Analysts estimate the business earned about $135 million last year.estimate that: · The police department estimates that the number of violent crimes will increase this year by about 15%.estimate something to be something: · At that point, the public sector deficit was estimated to be around £45 billion.estimate something at something: · Industry sources estimate the value of the ranch at $7 million.estimate how much/how many/how far etc: · Our staff will help you estimate how much fabric you will require.
to calculate what the value or cost of something is, especially before buying it or selling it: · This computer program will assess how much is spent on each student within the school.· I took the ring to a jeweller to have its value assessed.assess something at something: · The total value of the paintings is assessed at $20 million.
always effective · The system is new, but so far it seems to be reliable.a reliable way/method etc of doing something · Eating sensibly and taking regular exercise is a fairly reliable method of losing weight.· In Africa, cellular phones are often the only reliable way of communicating.
certain to be effective or successful: · Thursday night's line-up includes such surefire attractions as 'The Simpsons' and 'Friends'.a surefire way to do something/of doing something: · I know a surefire way to get a car started on a freezing winter morning.a surefire solution to something: · There's no surefire solution to the problem of improving the company's performance.a surefire recipe for success/disaster (=something that is certain to be successful or not successful): · Going on holiday with my parents would be a surefire recipe for disaster.
a method, system, or plan that is foolproof is always effective, because it is simple to understand and operate, and cannot go wrong: · I thought this method was foolproof until four customer orders went missing.· Each article goes through a foolproof system of checking which ensures that there are no mistakes in the final text.a foolproof way to do something/of doing something: · There's no foolproof way to judge whether someone is the right person for the job.
a method or system that is infallible always produces the right result and never goes wrong: · Banks claim their cash-dispensing computers are infallible.an infallible way to do something/of doing something: · There is no infallible way of predicting exactly what the weather will be like.
spoken use this to tell someone that a method is always effective, especially when you have used it successfully before: · It's a very simple technique, but it never fails.· If I'm having trouble sleeping, having a hot bath at night works every time.· You should try this recipe. It's so easy that you can't fail.
medicine/treatment if a medicine, treatment etc is effective , it achieves the result that you want: · Antibiotics are only effective if you finish the whole course of treatment.effective in doing something: · Doctors soon realized that this drug was also effective in relieving the symptoms of arthritis.effective against: · Penicillin can be taken in various forms and is effective against a wide range of infections.highly effective: · Malarone is a new drug that has already proved highly effective.
if a medicine, treatment etc works , it has the effect that you want it to have: · I've tried several different diets, but none of them seem to work.· It's too late for surgery, but chemotherapy might just work.
a medicine or drug that is powerful or potent is very strong and works very quickly so that it should be used very carefully: · Little is known about the long-term effects of powerful drugs such as Duromine.· Nicotine is a powerful appetite suppressant.· Alcohol is much less potent than opium, because it works in an entirely different way.
a drug or type of treatment that will completely cure a painful or serious illness - use this especially when you do not really think that such a drug or treatment exists: · Unfortunately there's no miracle cure for a hangover.· Some alternative practitioners seem to regard the herb as some kind of miracle drug, but conventional doctors are warning them to be careful.
method/plan/system a method, system etc that is effective succeeds in achieving the result that you want: · The advertisement was simple but remarkably effective.· Our training programme covers a range of effective management techniques.an effective way of doing something/to do something: · There are many effective ways of using videos in language teaching.highly effective: · The new system has proved to be a highly effective way of extending trading hours.
if a plan or method works , it produces the result that you want: · "I can't open the jar." "Try putting it in hot water. That sometimes works."work well: · The recipe works just as well if you cook the fish in the microwave.work with somebody (=make someone react in the way you want): · That type of sales talk doesn't work with me.work like magic/like a charm/like a dream (=have exactly the result that you want, especially when this is surprising): · I bought a bottle of stain remover, and it worked like magic.
to produce the result or effect that is intended: · You may have to take two pills in order to achieve the desired effect.have the desired effect of doing something: · The meetings had the desired effect of driving home the urgent need for change.
an action, or piece of work that is successful produces very good results: · Their new advertising campaign has been very successful.· Did you have a successful shopping trip?· It was one of the President's most successful speeches.highly successful: · Freire introduced highly successful literacy programs in Brazil.
spoken say this about a tool or method you think will be effective: · An electric saw will do the job at twice the speed.· Exercise and a low-calorie diet should do the trick.
to be extremely effective in dealing with a difficult problem or situation: · Many elderly people need to get out more, and often a new hobby works wonders.work wonders for: · The team's recent successes have worked wonders for their morale.
if the way you do something or the methods or people you use make a difference , they make something much more effective and successful: · If you're a young energetic college graduate who wants to make a difference in the world of media, this is the job for you!make all the difference: · The kind of technology you choose will make all the difference to the success of your business.
not effective also ineffective having very little effect, so that it does not achieve what it is meant to achieve: · Studies have shown that this is not effective as a teaching technique.· The German tactics were so ineffective that Brazil had complete control in midfield.ineffective in doing something: · The government's approach has been ineffective in reducing unemployment.
informal not having any useful effect and not helping you get the result you want: · This book is useless! I can't find any of the information I need.· I reminded myself that worrying is a useless activity.useless against: · Antibiotics are useless against viral infections such as influenza.it is useless to do something: · Jenny decided to say nothing. It was useless to argue.worse than useless (=used to emphasize that something has no useful effect and may make a situation worse): · Of course we need to test children's ability, but some of these exams are worse than useless.
spoken say this when you have been trying to do something, but you realize that what you are doing is never likely to be effective: · This whole project's a waste of time, if you ask me.be a big/complete waste of time: · I came to the conclusion that therapy was a complete waste of time.
if something does not work, it does not produce the result that you want: · My doctor recommended several different creams for dry skin, but none of them worked.· If stain remover doesn't work, you'd better send your dress to the dry cleaners.· I tried ignoring his unpleasant remarks, but it didn't work.
if something has no effect , it produces no results at all or is completely unsuccessful: · The drugs had no effect.· Paul realized that his words were having no effect; Karen was not going to change her mind.
if an attempt to do something fails , you do not achieve the result that you want: · My attempt to lose weight failed completely.· Our plan to go into business failed when the bank refused to lend us enough money.
never likely to be effective - used especially by newspapers about political activities, plans etc: · They're saying that the democratic campaign is dead in the water just two days after its launch.· I think you should admit that the government's plans for higher education are now dead in the water.
to exercise your body to walk, do sports etc in order to stay healthy and become stronger: · You should exercise every day and get plenty of fresh air.· Even people who start exercising quite late in life notice considerable benefits.· A lot of managers spend long hours in their cars and exercise very little.
also take exercise British to exercise, especially regularly: · You should do at least fifteen minutes' exercise each day.· Doctors are always telling us that we should do more exercise.· Most of the people here never take any exercise at all.
to do exercise, especially as part of your daily work or daily life: · A lot of children these days don't get enough exercise.· Try to increase the amount of exercise you get, perhaps by walking to work.
to exercise regularly, using all the important muscles in your body, especially in a gym or exercise class: · Professional footballers spend at least an hour every day working out in the gym.· I go jogging every morning and work out with weights twice a week.
British to exercise regularly in order to stay healthy and young: · Jim gave up drinking and took up tennis in an attempt to keep fit.· Many older people find that keeping fit can be fun as well as good for their health.
also get fit British to do regular exercise because you are not healthy or strong enough: · It's not too late to get into shape before the summer holidays.· If you want to get fit quickly, jogging is one of the best ways.
also limber up especially British to do gentle physical exercises just before playing a sport, dancing etc, so that you do not injure your muscles: · It's important to warm up properly before you do any sport.· The runners are now limbering up as they get ready for the race.
to prepare for a sporting event, especially by exercising: · We train twice a week at the local gym.· I'm not as fit as I should be. I don't train enough.
when a plan or attempt fails if a plan or attempt fails , it does not achieve what you want it to achieve: · They said the latest space mission was bound to fail.· Try changing the spark plugs, but if that fails take the car to a mechanic.fail to do something: · The investigation failed to establish the cause of the accident.something never fails: · The only way I can make her help me is to pretend I don't want her help. It never fails.
when a plan or attempt fails : failure of: · The failure of the peace talks has led to increased tension on the streets.end/result in failure: · Their first attempt to climb Mount Everest ended in failure.
to fail: · Hoover's attempts to boost the economy did not succeed.· I argued that neither strategy could succeed.not succeed in doing something: · The campaign might not succeed in eliminating the disease, but it would make people think about health and hygiene.
an unsuccessful attempt to do something does not have the result that you wanted: · The army made an unsuccessful attempt to end the rebellion.· I regret to inform you that your application was unsuccessful.
: vain attempt/effort/search a serious attempt, effort etc that is completely unsuccessful: · I remembered all my vain attempts to change his mind.· He stretched up his arms in a vain effort to reach the top of the embankment.
: fruitless attempt/search/effort etc one that fails completely to bring the result that you want: · I spent the next three hours in a fruitless search of her room.· After weeks of fruitless argument they finally agreed to go their separate ways.· Their attempt to settle the dispute by peaceful negotiations proved fruitless.
a meeting, discussion etc that is unproductive produces very few good results: · The meeting was long and noisy, but unproductive.· It was one of those unproductive confrontations between students and senior members of the university.
to be unsuccessful - use this especially about something that fails even though it was very carefully planned: · The government's expensive election campaign had been a failure.be a complete/total failure: · There was a 5-year plan to modernize the economy, but it was a complete failure.
if a planned attempt to do something goes wrong , it fails after it has started well: · The experiment went wrong when the chemicals combined to form a poisonous gas.go badly wrong British (=fail completely): · The rescue attempt went badly wrong when the building collapsed.
if a method or attempt does not work , it fails because it is not suitable or not right for the situation you are in: · I tried to fix it with glue, but that didn't work.not work with: · Teaching methods that work with adults do not always work with children.
if something you do to try to help or deal with a problem does no good , it does not have any useful effect: · Calm down Robyn. Getting hysterical will do no good.· You can try and persuade her to change her mind, but I don't think it'll do any good.do no good whatsoever (=have no useful effect at all): · Judges expect a certain level of competence, so staging a little-girl-lost act in court will do no good whatsoever.
if a plan, arrangement, or deal falls through , something stops it from happening, with the result that people are disappointed: · The deal fell through because they couldn't get enough money from the bank.· It was unbelievable -- it took two years to set the whole thing up and it fell through at the last minute!
if a business or political plan is dead in the water, it has failed completely, almost before it has even started - used especially in newspapers: · Their election campaign now appears to be dead in the water.
to fight for something you think is right or against something you think is wrong to try hard for a long time to stop something bad from happening or to improve a situation: · We are determined to fight drug abuse in schools.fight for: · Freedom of speech is something well worth fighting for.fight to do something: · Mandela fought to abolish white-only rule in South Africa.fight against: · Amnesty is an organization that fights against torture and injustice.
to work continuously and patiently to make changes that will improve society or the world: work for: · The group has become a small but significant force working for change.work to do something: · an organization that is working to preserve California's redwood treeswork tirelessly (=work very hard): · She will be remembered as someone who worked tirelessly for educational reform.
to work for a long time, for example making speeches, writing to newspapers and political representatives etc, in order to persuade people that something needs to be done: · After months of campaigning, local parents have persuaded the council to provide a school bus service.campaign for: · Women campaigned for equal pay and equal rights throughout the 1960s.campaign to do something: · He was one of the people who campaigned to change the law on homosexuality.
to publicly fight for and defend an aim or principle such as the rights of a group of people: · Martin Luther King championed the rights of all black Americans.· Throughout her political career she was a champion of prison reform.
to take action effectively in order to oppose something bad such as injustice, crime, or illness: · The police are looking for more effective ways to combat drugs gangs in the city.· Measures to combat pollution within the city have been introduced.· The government sees price controls as a way to combat inflation.
if a government or organization wages war on something such as an illness, bad conditions, or crime, they fight against it for a long time in a very determined way: · The World Health Organization is constantly waging war on malaria.· We need a comprehensive strategy to wage war on poverty in our inner cities.
to happen with a good or bad result to happen so that the final result is good, bad, unexpected etc: · We were worried when only twenty people came to the party but it turned out very well.· How did things turn out in the end?turn out to be something: · I was a bit doubtful at first, but it turned out to be a really good idea.not turn out as planned/expected: · We wanted the baby to be born at home, but it didn't quite turn out as planned.as it turned out (=used to say that this is what happened in the end): · As it turned out, James was delayed and didn't arrive until three.
informal to happen with a particular result, especially a successful or unsuccessful one: · Some election campaigns work out better than others.· We had a few problems when Jake first gave up work, but things are panning out very well now.· I'm not sure if we'll decide to get married or not - we'll wait and see how things work out.
: go well/badly/smoothly etc if something such as an arranged event or someone's work goes well, badly etc, it happens in a way that is successful, unsuccessful etc: · Did the party go well?· Things went badly for the company last year. Their profits are down by 50%.· How's the job going these days?
: go off well/successfully/smoothly etc if an arranged event goes off well, successfully etc, it happens and is completed without any problems: · Thanks to the helpful staff at the hotel, the conference went off very well.· I'm sure that everything will go off smoothly on the day.go off without a hitch (=happen without any problems): · Everyone was relieved when the ceremony at the Ambassador's residence went off without a hitch.
to become hungry to start to feel hungry, especially because you have not eaten for some time: · Is it lunchtime yet? I'm getting hungry.
to do something to make yourself want to eat, especially by hard physical exercise: · After a long day walking across the hills they had worked up quite an appetite.· There's nothing like skiing to work up an appetite.
if work, exercise, etc gives you an appetite it makes you feel hungry: · All that exercise has given me an appetite.· Spending all day in the fresh air had given them all an appetite.
to be in a situation in which you must hurry · I'm sorry, I'm in a hurry. I can't stop now.· Some people always seem to be in a hurry.be in a hurry to do something · Would you like to stay for a coffee, or are you in a hurry to leave?
to be in a situation when you must hurry because you do not have enough time for what you have to do: · I don't want to seem rude but I'm very pressed for time. Could I call you back later?· I can't stop right now, I'm a little pushed for time.
to work as quickly as you can because you only have a short time to finish something: · In advertising you're always working against the clock, trying to meet deadlines.work/race against the clock to do something: · We really had to work against the clock to finish the report on time.
a situation in which you have to work extremely quickly, especially in order to do something very important, because there is not much time to do it in: · Battleship repair crews swung into action in a race against time· In an urgent race against time, the Coast Guard and marine biologists struggled to rescue a whale that had beached itself on the shore.
a situation or time in which you hurry: · I had forgotten my wallet in the usual Monday morning rush.· There was a furious rush to have everything ready for the opening night.
to deliberately include something or someone · Even if you include the cost of food, it's still a cheap vacation.· The team is looking strong, especially now that they have included Roscoe.include something in/on something · I have included two jazz numbers in my selection.
informal if you work something into a plan, speech, product etc, you include it so that it becomes part of it: work in something: · Do you think you can work in a reference to our project?work something into something: · Boorman was once a director able to work his obsessions into movies like "Point Blank" and "Deliverance".· the sort of facilities currently being worked into the latest software releases
to deliberately include something so that it combines well with the other parts of the thing it is in: · We have incorporated a users' guide with the software.incorporate something in/into something: · The architect has incorporated Egyptian and Renaissance themes in the building's design.
to make plans to think carefully about something you are going to do, and decide how you will do it: · Sue spent months planning her trip.· The burglary had obviously been very carefully planned.plan how/what/where etc: · Have you planned how you're going to spend your prize money?plan for: · I think we should plan for about 50 guests.· We're planning for rain because the forecast isn't good.have something planned (=have planned something carefully already): · Don't worry, I have the whole evening planned.
to think about and talk about something that you intend to do, especially something that needs to be carefully planned: · We sat around the table, talking, laughing, and making plans.make plans for: · I've already started to make plans for the wedding - there's so much to do.
to organize the details of an event or trip, such as the times in which things will happen: · I'd booked the flight and made all the arrangements well in advance.make arrangements for: · John's brother kindly made the arrangements for the funeral.make arrangements to do something: · Vivian and her boyfriend are making arrangements to join us in Australia.make arrangements with: · Please telephone and make arrangements with my secretary.
especially British also figure out American to think carefully about how you are going to do something, especially something complicated or difficult, and plan a good way of doing it: · Management consultant Peter Brant worked out the schedule in October 1983.· UN negotiators have figured out a plan which they hope will be acceptable to both sides.work/figure out a way of doing something: · The first thing you'll have to do is figure out a way of earning the money.work out what/where/how etc: · I'll certainly go back to my job once I've worked out who's going to look after the kids during the day.have it all worked/figured out (=have completely planned how you are going to do something): · The killer, whoever he was, had it all worked out.
to plan all the details of how something is going to develop in the future, especially over a long period of time: · Representatives from several European countries met to map out details of the proposed aid program.have your future/career/education etc mapped out: · Jodie has her career all mapped out.· By the time he was 15, his parents already had his future mapped out.
to plan how you will spend your money during a certain period of time or for a particular activity: · Mark's capable of earning a lot, but he's no idea how to budget or save.· Our annual expenditure on training has been carefully budgeted.budget for: · At university, young people have to budget for their living expenses, and organise their time.
if members of a government, company, or other organization formulate a plan or proposal, they decide the details of what is going to be done: · Changes to the education system should be formulated by teachers not politicians.formulate a plan/policy/proposal etc: · The government has set up a working party to formulate proposals for reducing environmental pollution.
to be the person who is in charge of planning a complicated or difficult operation, especially a crime: · The raid, one of the most daring crimes of the century, was masterminded by Italian playboy, Giovanni Cattani.· Well-known as a tough industrialist, he masterminded 50 company takeovers in one year.
to practise for a competition, test, or performance British /practice American to do an activity and repeat it a lot in order to get better at it: · I'm learning how to play the piano, and I try to practise every day.· Practicing karate twice a week might be enough, but you should try to do it a bit more.· We're going to Paris for a week in summer, so that Bill can practise his French.practise doing something: · Practise speaking slowly and clearly.practise for: · When I was practicing for the competition, I spent eight hours a day in the conservatory practice rooms.practise on somebody/something: · I always wanted to be a hairdresser, and used to practise on my friends.
to prepare for a race or game by exercising and practising: · If you're really going to run in the marathon, you need to start training now.· In the winter months, she trains in Montana.train for: · Tyson is training for the big fight next week.
especially British to be in the period before a sports event or competition when you practise a particular sport or physical activity in a planned and controlled way: · When I'm in training I spend at least four hours a day at the swimming pool.be in training for: · He's currently in training for an important race.
to practise a particular skill that you need to play a sport, a musical instrument etc, so that your whole performance improves: · Your tennis playing is getting better, but you need to work on your serve.· Scales and finger exercises are the areas to work on if you want to improve your technique.
to practise something over a long period of time and with a lot of effort in order to achieve a high enough standard: · You'll have to really work at it if you want to be a professional dancer.· Learning another language is never easy, but if you work at it you'll soon get results.
to practise something such as a play or concert, so that it is ready to be performed for the public: · The director made us rehearse the opening scenes over and over.· The band has been rehearsing at the studio all day.rehearse for: · He is currently in New York rehearsing for "The Taming of the Shrew."
to practise something such as a play, speech, or piece of music by reading or playing it from start to finish: · I promised to hear her go through her speech.· Let's go through it just once more.· We went through the whole symphony four times, and he still wasn't satisfied.
to practise something just enough to still be good at it but not enough to improve, especially when you no longer do it regularly: · He still comes around the gym occasionally, just to keep his hand in.· Although she has retired now, she keeps her hand in by giving her grandchildren music lessons.
to prepare yourself for something that you have to do to make yourself mentally and physically ready for something that you will have to do: · Before starting to write an answer in an exam, prepare yourself by thinking about what you want to say.prepare yourself for: · They prepared themselves for a long wait.· She has spent the last year preparing herself for the race.
if you are prepared for something unpleasant or difficult, you expect it and you have thought about it, so that you can deal with it more easily: · The children were seasick last time, so this time we're prepared .be prepared for: · I just wasn't prepared for such a difficult interview.be well prepared: · Clark's lawyers were well prepared and confident.
to do all the things you need to do in order to be ready to do something, especially things such as washing or dressing before you go somewhere: · You'd better go get ready - it's almost 8 o'clock.get ready to do something: · I was just getting ready to go out when Tim called.get yourself ready for something: · In the stadium, the sprinters are getting themselves ready for the 100-metre race.
to prepare yourself for something unpleasant that is about to happen: · Here comes the boss, and she's not looking happy! You'd better brace yourself!brace yourself for: · Socialist party leaders are bracing themselves for defeat.brace yourself to do something: · I didn't really want to hear the rest, but I braced myself to listen.
to prepare yourself to do something that you know will be upsetting, frightening, or unpleasant: · I had to steel myself before I could tell her about the accident.steel yourself to do something: · She steeled herself to look at the body again.steel yourself for: · Jim steeled himself for a fight.
informal to prepare yourself mentally for something difficult by making yourself believe that you can do it and that you really want to do it: · I tried to psych myself up before the interview.psych yourself up for: · A lot of athletes use music to psych themselves up for a game.
to prepare yourself to do something that you do not want to do, by gradually making yourself more and more determined to do it: · I haven't asked him yet, but I'm working up to it.work up to doing something: · She's been working up to telling her boyfriend it's over.
especially British to prepare yourself mentally for something such as a test or important game, by gradually making yourself believe that you can do it successfully: · The game's on Friday, so we're starting to gear ourselves up during training.gear yourself up for: · He's been gearing himself up for his exams over the past few weeks.
when a problem or difficult situation is solved by itself if a problem or unsatisfactory situation sorts itself out , it either stops happening or is solved without you having to do anything: · This situation is not going to sort itself out. We have to do something.· Childhood problems and anxieties have a habit of sorting themselves out.
if a complicated problem resolves itself , it either stops being a problem or is solved without you having to do anything: · Fortunately, our employee problem resolved itself when two workers moved house and resigned voluntarily.· If we are patient the whole problem will resolve itself in due course.
if a problem or bad situation works out or works itself out , it gradually gets solved without you having to do anything: · Try not to worry. I'm sure everything will work out in the end.· I've found that major problems tent to either go away or somehow work themselves out.
to be successful in your work also be a success to earn a lot of money or to become well known and respected, because you do your job very well: · Five years ago he started his own business and now he's very successful.· I'm glad we appointed Cyril - he's proved to be a great success.· In order to be successful as a dancer, you need flair and stamina.· He's leaving the company, despite having been a big success as marketing manager.· People who are successful in their careers have found out what they like and do well.
to be successful in your job, especially because you work hard: · Gail seemed so anxious to do well, and she worked really hard.· When the players do well, I praise them -- but there are no rewards for coming second.· Neither of the kids was doing well in school.· Most of his tutors expected him to do well at Harvard.· My friend left college and went into law, and he's doing very well for himself.
to be successful in your job, especially because you have a very strong desire to succeed: · The people who get on are the ones who create their own opportunities.· My father's experience taught me a memorable lesson in how to get ahead.get on in life/the world: · You may not like having to agree with everything the boss says, but often that's the way to get on in life.· If you want to get ahead in this world, kid, never take 'no' for an answer.
informal to become successful, especially in the sports or entertainment business: · He was a talented football player and I knew he'd make it.· We've fought long and hard to get where we are, and we deserve to make it.make it big (=become very successful): · Many actors move to America, hoping to make it big in Hollywood.make it on your own (=without any help from anyone): · Get as much advice from colleagues as you can - it can be difficult trying to make it on your own.
to become successful in your job by doing it well and continuing to work at it for a fairly long time: · People who have had setbacks are often the ones who are really driven to succeed.· a strong desire to succeedsucceed as a teacher/actor/musician etc: · If you don't change your attitude, you will never succeed as a manager in this firm.succeed at: · My parents always told me I'd succeed at anything I chose to do.succeed in: · A lot of people doubted that I could succeed in business for myself.
to get better and better jobs in a company, organization, or profession so that eventually you have one of the most important jobs in it: · Those who rise to the top in advertising can expect to earn in excess of $100,000.· I think we all like to believe that if someone is made of the right stuff, they will rise to the top.· A consummate professional, he rose to the top of the most competitive organization in the country.
to work very hard in your job so that eventually you reach an important and high position: · While she was working her way up from dishwasher to chef, she was studying at night school to improve her grades. work your way up to the top: · He started two years ago as an admin assistant, and worked his way up to the top.
to be successful in your job so that people notice you and respect your ability, especially because of a particular piece of work you have done: · In his early twenties, Terry was the typical ambitious graduate, full of ideas and eager to make his mark.· She instantly made her mark with a series of award-winning ad campaigns for high-profile clients.
to gain more important and better paid jobs in your chosen area of work, especially by doing things that will get you noticed by more important people that you work with: · First, take a look at what you personally can do to advance your career.· In recent weeks, Janet has become aware that her colleague Alan has been using her to further his own career.
when something has the result that you want it to have if something that you plan to do or try to do succeeds , you get the result that you hoped for: · Both sides could make these talks succeed by seeking a real and lasting peace.· As long as the financial crisis continues, economic reform cannot possibly succeed.succeed in doing something: · None of the measures taken by the government have succeeded in reducing the spread of violent crime.
if something that you plan to do or try to do is successful you get the result that you hoped for: · If the treatment is successful, she could be back at school next month.· a small but successful program to boost the number of African-Americans getting into collegehighly successful (=very successful): · It was a highly successful campaign.the most successful: · This has been Baltimore's most successful art show ever.so successful (. . . that): · The case of Thailand illustrates why family planning programs have been so successful in many countries. prove successful (=be successful): · The scheme was started in January 2000, and has proved largely successful.
if a plan or method works , it produces the result that you want: · "I can't open this jar." "Try putting it under hot water. That sometimes works."· I think your treatment worked Arnie, my headache's gone.· The recipe works just as well if you cook the fish in a microwave.
if something goes well , such as a meeting, party, or performance, everything happens in the way you wanted and there are no problems: · Ray met my parents for the first time this weekend, and it went really well.· The audition was OK, but it could have gone better I suppose.· Most people seem to think the party went well.go well for: · Good luck with the project, and I hope everything goes well for you.
if a plan, method etc has some success , it is fairly successful: · The early warning system has had some success; for example Pacific coast residents get four hours notice of a potential earthquake.· Only in the late 1990s did efforts to reduce sectarian violence have some success.
if something comes out right or turns out right , it succeeds in the end when it had seemed as though it would fail: · People enjoy romantic fiction because it offers a reassurance that things will always come out right.· Just when it looks as though everything will turn out right, tragedy strikes and Jenny dies of a fatal illness.come out right in the end: · She's scared she'll fail her exams, but I think everything'll come out right in the end.
if something that you arrange such as a party or trip comes off , it happens successfully even though there are problems in arranging it: · We had hoped to organize a trip to the theatre tonight, but it didn't come off.· Good try Tim. Shame it didn't quite come off.
if hard work, effort, a risk etc pays off , it has a successful result at a later time: · I think if you show a bit more consideration for other road users, you'll find it pays off.· We put a lot of hard work into local initiatives, and that's really starting to pay off now.
if a plan, idea, or action bears fruit , it has the successful result that it was intended to have, especially after a long period of time: · The campaign for debt relief will not bear fruit for another two or three years. · I hope you feel your involvement has been worthwhile and has borne fruit.
a meeting, discussion etc that is fruitful is successful, useful, and produces good results: · So far, the investigation has not been very fruitful.· This was one of the most fruitful debates of the conference.· If the talks prove fruitful, the working groups will start bargaining in May.
to become upset · I get upset when I see people being cruel to animals.· At the slightest mention of her ex-husband's name she gets upset.get upset about · It was an awful thing for him to say, but there's no point in getting upset about it.
informal to become very upset or angry, so that you think things are worse than they really are: · I'll tell you what he said, but promise you won't get worked up.get worked up about/over: · It's not worth getting worked up about. Anyone can make a mistake.get (yourself) all worked up: · If there's nothing you can do, why get yourself all worked up, honey?
to be more upset by what someone says than they intended you to be: · Don't take anything he said to heart - he was drunk.· Brian is a very sensitive kind of person and he takes criticism very much to heart.
especially British, informal to become very upset about something in a way that other people think is unnecessary: · There's no need to get so het up - it's only a driving test!
to work together · We can only succeed if we all work together as a team.work together to do something · Both sides are going to have to work together to find other ways of settling their differences.
also co-operate British if two people or groups cooperate with each other, they work together and help each other in order to achieve something that will be good for both of them: cooperate with: · The president said that Mexico would continue to cooperate with the US in the fight against drugs.cooperate to do something: · Aid agencies and UN forces are cooperating to get food supplies to the people who need them.cooperate closely (=help each other as much as possible): · Finance ministers and central bankers agreed to cooperate closely to sustain the strength of the pound.cooperate in/on: · Traditionally management has called upon workers to cooperate in increasing productivity.
to work together, especially on a specific piece of scientific, artistic, or industrial work: collaborate to do something: · Researchers in Stanford and Princeton collaborated to manufacture a completely new waterproof textile.collaborate with: · Hewlett Packard collaborated with Nokia to produce the palmtop-telephone.collaborate on/in: · Fellini collaborated with Rossellini on the script of the film.· Educators and employers need to collaborate in preparing the next generation for employment and adulthood.
to work for a company, person etc to do work for a person, company, or organization: · How long have you worked for Mr Jackson?· My Dad's been working for IBM for over twenty years.work as something for: · Russell is working as a software developer for Microsoft.
to work for a company or organization, especially when you have an official contract and a permanent job: be employed by: · She was the first woman pilot to be employed by a commercial airline.be employed in: · The number of people employed in the construction industry has been falling for many years.
to officially work for a company or organization and to receive regular payments for your work: · Just before the company closed in 1968, there were 300 people on the payroll.be on the payroll of: · Ames exposed 34 intelligence agents on the payroll of the US or its allies.
to be one of the people who work for a company or organization, especially when you have a permanent job there: · Police questioned everyone on the staff at the hotel.be on the staff of : · Valerie has been on the staff of the French Department at Reading University since 1992.
informal to work for a company, especially a large well-known one: · I believe he's with Random House now.· I used to be with the BBC, but then I got the chance of being a producer for Channel Four.
the person, company, or organization that you work for: · We will need a reference from your last employer before we can send you a contract.· She applied to her employer for a redundancy payment, but she was refused.
to work too hard someone who is overworked has too much work to do: · Teachers often complain that they are overworked and underpaid.· I'd been six months without any holiday, and I was tired and overworked.
informal to work so hard that you become ill: · The doctor told me to relax and not overdo it.· The President's advisers are worried that he might have been overdoing it lately.
to force yourself to work too hard, especially because you want very much to be successful: · You should slow down. You're pushing yourself too hard.· It's no wonder that she had a nervous breakdown -- she's been driving herself too hard for months.
informal to force yourself to work very hard, so that you become extremely tired or ill: · It's good to work hard. But don't drive yourself into the ground.· By the time the great day arrived, I'd worked myself into the ground making sure everything would be just right.
to work hard to work hard when you are doing your job, your schoolwork, or anything that takes time and effort: · Bruno had been working hard in the kitchen all morning.· I wouldn't mind working so hard if they paid us more.
to work hard because you think something is important and you want to do it well: · Stella had obviously put a lot of effort into her assignment, and got a good grade.· The company puts a great deal of effort into training its staff.
to try hard to improve something or to improve the way you do something: · The only way to be successful in athletics is to really work at it.· You should be able to take your music exam in the summer, if you work at it between now and then.
/be hard at it British informal to be working very hard and continuously: · Mike's been hard at it all afternoon and he still hasn't finished mending the car.be hard at work on something: · Since January, Leane's been hard at work on a self-help book on how to launch a business.be hard at work doing something: · They've been hard at work getting the house decorated.
to force yourself to work or train very hard at something: · If you really push yourself, you should get all the work done on time.push yourself hard: · Warm up your body before you start exercising, and avoid pushing yourself too hard or too fast.
British /plug away American informal to work very hard for a long time in a determined way: · American investment bankers are still plugging away, looking for business in developing countries like Thailand, Indonesia, or Malaysia.beaver away on/at: · Haven't you finished? You've been beavering away on that report all morning.
British /labor American formal to work hard, especially doing hard physical work, or doing something difficult or boring: · Sheffield is a city where steel-workers once laboured in their thousands.labour over: · Shipman was seated in his office, labouring over his paperwork, when I came in.labour to do something: · The goal was just what the team needed, at the end of a game in which they had laboured hard to overcome Chelsea.
to make people work hard to make someone work hard, especially unreasonably hard: · Sometimes I think that they work us too hard in this office.· The bank's managers admit that they work their employees hard, but on the other hand they pay good wages.
informal someone who makes people work too hard: · She's a real slave driver. One of her secretaries had a nervous breakdown last year.
to work extremely hard informal to work very hard at something you do not enjoy and do not want to do: · I've been slaving away all week and I've had enough of it!slave away at: · Ed had been slaving away at his essay for hours, but it still wasn't finished.slave away to do something: · The poor man spent ten years of his life slaving away to pay back the money they had borrowed.
informal to work extremely hard for a long time - use this when you are complaining about how hard you have to work: · In those days we got up at 5 in the morning, and worked our fingers to the bone.· His mother had had a hard life - had worked her fingers to the bone bringing up six children.
American spoken to work very hard, especially for a period of time on one particular thing - use these only in situations where you know people well as they are considered impolite by many people: · It hasn't been easy. The truth is I've worked my ass off for everything I've achieved.work your butt/ass off to do something: · Lea worked her butt off to graduate with honors and big scholarships.
formal to work hard for a long time, especially doing work that is boring or difficult: · Men. women and children spent long hours toiling in the fields, whatever the weather conditions.toil to do something: · Roger and his wife toiled round the clock for seven years to make a success of their business.
to not work hard enough if a machine or piece of equipment works or is working , it can be used without any problems because there is nothing wrong with it: · Does the old tape recorder still work?· We had to go to the laundromat because the washing-machine wasn't working.work fine/be working fine: · We tested the cable and it seems to be working fine.work well/be working well: · The new computers seem to work perfectly well, despite everyone's worries.
if something is in working order , it is working well and safely, especially because it has been well-cared for: · The mill was built in the 16th century and is still in working order.be in good/perfect/top working order: · The guns were all clean and in good working order.· As far as he could tell the engine was in perfect working order.
British spoken /run American spoken to be working properly - use this especially about a car, clock, or watch: · I dropped my watch, but it's still going.· I don't mind what kind of car we rent as long as it runs.
to be working well and without any problems - use this about computers or systems: · As soon as the new computer system is up and running, we can transfer our records onto it.· The new hiring process should be up and running by the end of the year.
a place, system, or large piece of machinery that is operational is working and ready to be used at any time: · At least eight countries are known to have operational nuclear weapons.fully operational: · The terminal is fully operational and airlines will begin using it next week.
especially British also on-line American a new system or large piece of machinery that is on-stream or on-line , is ready to be used - used especially in business: · All the oil refineries in the region are now back on-stream.come on-stream/on-line: · Another nuclear reactor is scheduled to come on-line in January.bring something on-stream/on-line: · With so much money in grants, we need to start thinking now about the projects we want to bring on-stream.
WORD SETSaggregate, nounalloy, nounamber, nounanneal, verbarc welding, nounasbestos, nounassay, verbautomaker, nounaviation, nounBakelite, nounbasketry, nounbenzene, nounbevel, nounbiodegradable, adjectiveblast, verbblast furnace, nounboom, nounboom town, nounbore, verbbore, nounborehole, nounby-product, nouncane, nouncast, verbcasting, nouncedar, nounchipboard, nounchippings, nouncoalface, nouncollier, nouncolliery, nounconcentrate, nouncondenser, nounconstruction, nounconstructor, nounconverter, nouncork, nouncottage industry, nouncross-grained, adjectivecrude, adjectivedeskill, verbdetonate, verbdetonator, noundetoxification, noundevelopment, noundie, noundie casting, noundiesel, noundiesel fuel, noundiggings, noundrill, verbdrive, verbelectronics, nounend product, nounepoxy resin, nounextrude, verbfabricate, verbfabrication, nounforge, nounfound, verbfoundry, nounglass fibre, noungoldmine, nounground glass, nounhigh technology, nounindustrial, adjectiveindustrial archaeology, nounindustrialism, nounindustrialist, nounindustrialization, nouningot, nouninstallation, nounjute, nounlaminate, nounlaminated, adjectivelaser, nounlatex, nounlight industry, nounlime, nounlode, nounlow-tech, adjectivelubricant, nounlubricate, verbmacadam, nounmacerate, verbmachine, verbmachine tool, nounmachinist, nounmaker, nounmanganese, nounmanufacture, verbmanufacture, nounmasonry, nounmaterial, nounmatrix, nounmeat-packing, nounmetal, nounmetal fatigue, nounmetallic, adjectivemetallurgy, nounmetalwork, nounmill, verbmine, nounmine, verbminer, nounmining, nounmodular, adjectivemodule, nounmolten, adjectivemolybdenum, nounmortise, nounmother lode, nounmould, verbmoulding, nounochre, nounoff-cut, nounoil, nounoil paint, nounopencast, adjectiveoxyacetylene, nounpackaging, nounpaint stripper, nounpaintwork, nounpaling, nounpallet, nounpan, nounpanelling, nounpanel pin, nounpaper, adjectivepapier mâché, nounpatent leather, nounperfumery, nounpit, nounpitch, nounpithead, nounplane, verbplant, nounplywood, nounpost-industrial, adjectiveprocess, nounproduce, verbproduct, nounproduction, nounproductivity, nounpulp, verbpump, verbPVC, nounquarry, nounquartz, nounready-made, adjectiverefine, verbrefined, adjectivereprocess, verbroller, nounrough-hewn, adjectiverubber, nounsafety lamp, nounsandblast, verbsealskin, nounshaft, nounshavings, nounsheeting, nounsheet metal, nounshipbuilder, nounskilled, adjectiveslag, nounslag heap, nounsludge, nounslurry, nounsmelt, verbsmith, nounsmithy, nounsmokestack, nounsmokestack industry, nounsoftwood, nounsolder, nounsolder, verbsoldering iron, nounspirit level, nounspray paint, nounsteam, nounsteel, nounstrip mine, nounStyrofoam, nounsunrise industry, nounsynthesis, nounsynthesize, verbtannery, nountemper, verbtensile strength, nountextile, nounthree-ply, adjectiveunrefined, adjectiveunvarnished, adjectiveupright, nounvarnish, nounvat, nounvinyl, nounvulcanize, verbwarehouse, nounwattle, nounwax, nounwaxen, adjectivewaxy, adjectiveweld, verbweld, nounwelder, nounwickerwork, nounwire, nounwood, nounwood pulp, nounwork, verbworking, nounworkshop, nounwrought iron, nounyarn, noun
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY
The studies were undertaken by people working in education. I work part-time in a library. I get paid more if I work nights. We’re sometimes expected to work twelve-hour days. Are you working late (=working after the time you usually finish) again tonight? Forty police officers are working round the clock (=working day and night without stopping) to find Murray’s killer. Nowadays, many people are able to work from home. I’m going to have to work really hard to pass these exams. The company is working hard to improve its image. He worked tirelessly (=worked very hard in a determined way) for the charity throughout his life. I can’t get the heater to work. The French team are the heavier crew, which should work in their favour (=help them). Sexism still works against (=harms or causes problems for) women in many professions. Loyalty works both ways (=involves two opposite or matching effects): we are loyal to our employees and, in turn, they are loyal to us. One of the screws must have worked loose. I had it all worked out (=had made very careful plans). The bill works out at £15 each. Financially, things have worked out well for us. She had worked herself up into a state.COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES the arduous task of loading all the boxes into the van The exhibition features works of art by Picasso and Matisse. Chris has occasional casual work but mostly he is unemployed. The successful applicant will be working closely with our international staff. the complete works of Shakespeare (=a book, CD etc containing everything Shakespeare wrote) Diaghilev did his great creative work in France. the definitive study of Victorian railway stations experimental studies on birds and animals Congress is working feverishly to pass the bill. Doreen had worked herself into a frenzy. She works full-time and has two kids. The success of the series enabled her to concentrate full-time on writing. Wynford was an architect of genius. What time do you get off work? How much homework are you given in a week? He’s always giving us chores to do around the house. I went to a good deal of trouble to get this ticket. To be successful in sport requires hard work and a great deal of determination. There’s a sauna where you can relax after a hard day’s skiing. Becoming a doctor never interested him. It was too much like hard work (=it would involve too much work). She has worked hard all her life. My son does most of the heavy outdoor work. I bet he’s never done an honest day’s work in his life! We usually knock off work at about twelve on Saturday. Ellen has to work late tonight. What line of business is he in? He has read many of the major works of literature. My work load has doubled since Henry left. Doctors often work long hours (=work for more time than is usual). Engineers are carrying out essential maintenance work on the main line to Cambridge. Dad’s office mates are throwing a party for him. They want a chance to do meaningful work. a working model (=one with parts which move) of a steam engine She didn’t like working nine to five. We worked in pairs for the role-play exercise. She wants to work part-time after she’s had the baby. I’m tired of working for peanuts. the pioneering work of NASA scientists The crop was sold for a pittance. a working prototype of the new car repetitive tasks like washing and ironing Major restoration work will begin in May. Jean is well enough now to consider her return to work. I started college last week. a work stoppage by government employees The two mechanisms have to work in sync. I rang my boss and arranged to take some time off. You might want to consider temporary work until you decide what you want to do. We had worked up a thirst (=done something that made us thirsty), and so we decided to stop for a beer. All this digging is thirsty work (=work that makes you want a drink). We’ve very much enjoyed working together. He worked undercover in Germany and Northern Ireland. Why do I have to do work experience? You shouldn’t get so worked up about it. The commission has set up a special working group to look at the problem. It was a great evening, and definitely worth all the hard work.COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADVERB
The studies were undertaken by people working in education. I work part-time in a library. I get paid more if I work nights. We’re sometimes expected to work twelve-hour days. Are you working late (=working after the time you usually finish) again tonight? Forty police officers are working round the clock (=working day and night without stopping) to find Murray’s killer. Nowadays, many people are able to work from home. I’m going to have to work really hard to pass these exams. The company is working hard to improve its image. He worked tirelessly (=worked very hard in a determined way) for the charity throughout his life. I can’t get the heater to work. The French team are the heavier crew, which should work in their favour (=help them). Sexism still works against (=harms or causes problems for) women in many professions. Loyalty works both ways (=involves two opposite or matching effects): we are loyal to our employees and, in turn, they are loyal to us. One of the screws must have worked loose. I had it all worked out (=had made very careful plans). The bill works out at £15 each. (=be expensive or cheap) If we go by taxi, it’s going to work out very expensive.
If we go by taxi, it’s going to work out very expensive. Financially, things have worked out well for us. She had worked herself up into a state.· You will be entitled to sick pay in respect of any absence from work through sickness.
· Sebastian spoke with an upper-class accent.
· I sent the letter to her work address.· My business address is on my card.
(=make you have an advantage – often used when this is unexpected)· Sometimes a lack of experience can work to your advantage.
· 55 percent of the people are of working age.
the arduous task of loading all the boxes into the van (=where a particular class of people live)· She was born in a working-class area of London.
The exhibition features works of art by Picasso and Matisse. (=act according to something that may not be true)· The police seemed to be working on the assumption that he was guilty.
· I came from a very poor working-class background.
(=at which you talk about business)· She suggested we meet at 8.30 for a working breakfast.
· Work it out on a calculator if you can't do it in your head.
· You’ll have to get a builder to carry out the work.
· You’ll have to get a builder to carry out the work.
Chris has occasional casual work but mostly he is unemployed.· Changing patterns of work mean that more people are able to work from home.
· At this time most of the working class was very poor.
The successful applicant will be working closely with our international staff.· Work clothes tend to be black, blue, or grey.
· How long have you been working for your present company?
the complete works of Shakespeare (=a book, CD etc containing everything Shakespeare wrote)· A temporary compromise was found.
· An office must be able to provide safe working conditions.
· The group spent four months carrying out conservation work in the rainforest.
· Construction work on the new road is expected to take two years.
· We have 170 staff working as computer consultants to clients.
(=things made by craftsmen or women)· Craft work, such as hand-knitted items or decorated cakes, often sells well.
Diaghilev did his great creative work in France. (=have to finish something by a deadline)· We're all under pressure and working to deadlines.
the definitive study of Victorian railway stations· I haven't worked our trip out in detail yet.
(=the work of helping development in poor areas)· Further funds are required to allow the development work to continue.
(=make someone unlikely to be successful)· This system works to the disadvantage of women.
· She was feeling too tired to do any work.
· Most people prefer a quiet working environment.
· I spent over an hour trying to work out the equation.
experimental studies on birds and animals· Donna works in a shoe factory.
· I used to work on a farm when I was younger.
Congress is working feverishly to pass the bill. (=do farm work)· Most villagers work in the fields during the day.
· Chris has been working for this firm for nearly 20 years.
(=try to improve your fitness)· He's working on his fitness in preparation for the New York marathon.
Doreen had worked herself into a frenzy. She works full-time and has two kids. The success of the series enabled her to concentrate full-time on writing. Wynford was an architect of genius. What time do you get off work? How much homework are you given in a week? He’s always giving us chores to do around the house.· We are all working towards similar goals.
I went to a good deal of trouble to get this ticket. To be successful in sport requires hard work and a great deal of determination. There’s a sauna where you can relax after a hard day’s skiing. Becoming a doctor never interested him. It was too much like hard work (=it would involve too much work). She has worked hard all her life.· He urged all Americans to work in harmony to solve the nation’s problems.
My son does most of the heavy outdoor work. (=do your work at home instead of at an office)· I work at home three days a week.
I bet he’s never done an honest day’s work in his life! (=work that it took you an hour/six hours etc to do)· I did two hours’ work before breakfast.
(=continue to work hard and well)
We usually knock off work at about twelve on Saturday. Ellen has to work late tonight. What line of business is he in? He has read many of the major works of literature. My work load has doubled since Henry left. Doctors often work long hours (=work for more time than is usual). (=a lunch during which you also do business)· She was having a business lunch with a customer.
· Have you been taught to operate the machine properly?
· The machine works using solar power.
(=do magic)· What do you expect me to do? I can’t work magic!
Engineers are carrying out essential maintenance work on the main line to Cambridge. Dad’s office mates are throwing a party for him. They want a chance to do meaningful work. (=achieve something very good which no one thought was possible)· The new coach has worked miracles, and the team have won their last four games.
a working model (=one with parts which move) of a steam engine She didn’t like working nine to five. (=work without being well-known)· After years of working in obscurity, his paintings are now hanging in museums.
· Teaching is regarded as a middle-class occupation.· Working-class occupations may be divided into skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled.
· He's been working a lot of overtime.
We worked in pairs for the role-play exercise. She wants to work part-time after she’s had the baby.· Theirs is one of the most fruitful working partnerships in modern science.
I’m tired of working for peanuts.· Over 6,000 people in our community of 100,000 perform volunteer work.
· She had problems getting a work permit for the States.
the pioneering work of NASA scientists The crop was sold for a pittance. formal· Please give the address of your place of work.
(=poor people who have jobs, rather than unemployed people)· These tax-cut proposals are targeted at the working poor.
· Archaeology students are required to do a certain amount of practical work.
· A team has been working on the project for three years.
a working prototype of the new car (=a relationship appropriate for people who work together)· She’s a fine actress and we developed a great working relationship.
· The charity raised over five million pounds for relief work.
· The council has been responsible for appointing contractors to carry out this repair work.
repetitive tasks like washing and ironing· Doctor Fox received world-wide acclaim for her research work on breast cancer.
Major restoration work will begin in May. Jean is well enough now to consider her return to work.· We need more junior staff to help out with the routine work.
· They work quite long shifts.
· We had to work in shifts – four hours on and four off.
(=working shifts)· Does the job involve shift work?
(=a situation at work)· These problems often arise in work situations.
(=prepare the soil to grow plants)· They worked the soil with hoes and forks.
· He died while working as a government spy.
I started college last week. a work stoppage by government employees (also formulate a strategy formal)· We had to devise strategies for saving money.
· The Government’s economic strategy was not working.
The two mechanisms have to work in sync.· The air-conditioning system isn’t working.
(=exists and is used)· He tried to explain how the planning system operates.
(=is successful)· The public needs to see that the complaints system works.
(=is successful)· Those tactics won’t work with me anymore – I know you too well.
I rang my boss and arranged to take some time off.· You have to learn to work as a team.
You might want to consider temporary work until you decide what you want to do. We had worked up a thirst (=done something that made us thirsty), and so we decided to stop for a beer. All this digging is thirsty work (=work that makes you want a drink). We’ve very much enjoyed working together. He worked undercover in Germany and Northern Ireland.· The work is being undertaken by team of experts.
· They'd sent their daughter abroad on a student visa.
· He does voluntary work with young offenders.
Why do I have to do work experience? You shouldn’t get so worked up about it.· The working class has suffered a lot.
· The working class have suffered a lot.
The commission has set up a special working group to look at the problem. It was a great evening, and definitely worth all the hard work.· James worked closely with his bishops, and in particular with George Abbot, whom he appointed Archbishop of Canterbury in 1611.· Both had been determined to overcome authoritarian rule from Addis Ababa and had worked closely together to achieve this end.· Walsh returns as an administrative assistant to Seifert and will work closely with second-year offensive coordinator Marc Trestman.· The primary aim of the central bank is to work closely with the government and so to operate in the public interest.· We will work closely with our partners in foreign policy and in the war on international crime.· Under this system, junior and senior nurses work closely together in the care of a group of patients.· We had worked closely together during those rushed summer months.
· He remains convinced that it is imperative to work hard on his swing.· He was not himself a classic workaholic; if he worked hard, it was not demonically so.· It's a blow to University students who've had to cancel performances they've worked hard to produce.· We both worked hard in our different ways.· We all worked hard at the lesson, no time wasted.· I had worked hard every summer since I was eleven, and there was an entrepreneurial streak in me.· The resident proprietor has worked hard at maintaining an excellent reputation for service and comfort.· Most of the time he kept to Inmself, stayed in his hotel room, and worked hard.
· But we must discuss areas where we can cooperate and work together.· As any teacher can tell you, this is made much easier when the entire school works together to build this ethos.· The two have worked together to produce a booming Sunbelt and a brisk new stirring of the ethnic melting pot.· How can we work together to find these ways of being, relating, and creating?· She urged women to re-examine their roles in society and to work together to become decision-makers.· Parents of such a child need to work together as a team.· I am therefore writing to ask if you would be interested in our working together to produce AppleMac versions of the programs.· Our working together has been fine.
· The arrangements are working well and I have every confidence that the job will be completed satisfactorily on time.· Their ability to map a statistical distribution, however, works well only with large networks.· The abbreviated lower horn works well with the tight curve of the waist, and aids comfort when sitting to play.· The four-star officer believed his renewed efforts on character development were working well, according to Navy sources.· On reading through these pages you will be convinced that this is exactly the way in which the things could work well.· The first time he tried it on me, the system did not work well.· Nor does it work well outside cities; its short range demands a dense network of base stations.· He worked well with the tutors and finished most of his courses.
NOUN· He works in an office, I work at home.· MacArthur says that the husband alone should work outside the home.· The very idea of working from home should have been anathema to me.· Sometimes she made six dollars a day, working in two private homes.· Students on the part-time course will work from home, visiting Middlesbrough only for the final examination.· Nearly a third of respondents also said they increased their productivity by working at home.· Spending also varies according to whether married women work outside the home.· As might be expected, phone companies are major advocates and practitioners of working from home or other remote locations.
· This unsophisticated system will probably work very well if there are not too many large mailings over the year.· The other systems do not work.· The system works without any conscious overseeing or organizing.· If student reports are anything to go on, the system does appear to work at Thayer.· This system makes children work whether they find the work interesting or not.· The system could work properly only if the values of the two currencies did not drift too far apart from each other.· For the system to work properly, several practical and technical obstacles will need to be overcome over the next 12 months.· As the churning mass swelled within him his resilient Goblin digestive system got to work on the over-abundance of raw material.
· It only works the other way round.· We work in whatever ways we can toward the end of capitalist patriarchy.· That institutions work in this way, contributing to the general statusquo, becomes taken for granted by Radcliffe-Brown.· Gains in nonagricultural employment and total hours worked led the way.· I work in a controlled way, so mentally it's exhausting.· Chiming, echoed tones, like timbres that start as tastes in the mouth then work their way somehow into the ear.· I might have guessed you'd something worked out in the way of revenge, but your timing's gone a bit wrong.· Tom, like most of the others, will need lots of reinforcement as he works his way through the change.
VERB· Ghatak was a committed Marxist, who began his career working in a political theatre company.· Horowitz began working at the company when he was in high school.· Harry remembered the crystal chandeliers and as the warmth began to work through him he dozed.· Now, to cover all eventualities, I at once began to work on both lungs.· At other times a helpful listener can help the woman clarify her concerns and begin to work on resolving them.· I began to work in steel mills when I was seventeen to support my education.· And he began to work hard at them.
· Most of all, they have to continue working and playing hard.· It's a familiar routine, as Bush continues to work the centre ground in his presidential contest with Al Gore.· The photographer Burkett has also shown at Etherton before, and like Marcus-Orlen he continues to work in clearly staked-out territory.· He continues to work, although he is weaker than he was.· He will continue to work as a financial planner for Denver stock broker Dain Bosworth while he tries to make the team.· After completing his articles Knowles continued working in his father's architectural office.· He also will intensify the fight against crime and continue to work for welfare reform.
· It was agreed that he might return to work from the hospital when he felt better able to cope.· It consistently disadvantages older workers, young people, and women returning to work.· In later episodes of thirtysomething, Hope returned to work.· The co-workers returned to work the next day.· However, next morning the actors return to work and the organizational drama continues.
· We had spent nine months working on the first one!· Lee has spent 23 years working as a public-interest lawyer.· We launched Divine with half a million pounds, 60 per cent of which was spent on working with the producers.· I have now spent four years working in government to implement this conviction, which members of both parties share.· We spend 6 weeks working with local churches doing outreach, and then have one final week of school.· Research shows that people consistently overestimate the time they spend working and underestimate their leisure time.· Mr Tomlinson says he spent two months solidly working from 5.30am in the morning until 10.30 in the evening, including weekends.· In 1967, he began spending the off season working as an assistant to one of California Gov.
· He starts to draw, working his way over the sheets with a brush and ink.· Nevertheless, after she started working as a nurse, she began studying in her off hours with a voice teacher.· I therefore started working for the first time in my life.· It must have been the first time he had managed that since he started working for Pierce & Pierce.· But your first paragraph is also your opportunity to start actively working on those questions.· I was doing everything just like we discussed, and it was starting to work.· One had to start somewhere and work quickly to meet the growing social need.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY► work the door► work like magic/work like a charm► (it) works for me/you etc► work a trend/look etc► work something ↔ in► work something ↔ in► work something ↔ out► work something ↔ out► work something ↔ out► I can’t work somebody out► work through something► work up enthusiasm/interest/courage etc► work up an appetite/a thirst/a sweat► work somebody up► work something ↔ upPHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► bury yourself in your work/studies etc► be all in a day’s work► the devil makes/finds work for idle hands► be up to your ears in work/debt/problems etc► good works► work/sweat your guts out► learned books/works etc► be in work mode/holiday mode etc► nice work if you can get it► be a (real) piece of work► put/throw a spanner in the works► work/run/go like stink► not do a stroke (of work)► work like a Trojan► work unsocial hours
- And national campaign finance reform began to work its way through the U. S. Congress.
- For nearly two hours he worked his way through his agenda, more administration and finance today than scientific exploration.
- He would stand in the gents' cubicle and work his way through the fantasy, peeing in synchronization with the finale.
- I realize that I need to work my way through the next passages with care and delicacy.
- Magistrates are working their way through questioning all the officers who participated in the raid, beginning with the 13 commanders.
- The engine started to sound rough, but she thought it would work its way through and ignored it.
- Tom, like most of the others, will need lots of reinforcement as he works his way through the change.
- We are attempting to work our way through all these questions.
- He worked his way through college, performing menial tasks in exchange for reduced tuition.
- Gamekeepers worked on the principle that any other animals that preyed on pheasants must be ruthlessly eliminated.
- It works on the assumption that each side is willing to move from its starting point during the negotiations.
- It works on the principle that the pursuer will not be able to change direction as efficiently as the prey.
- Politicians seem to work on the assumption that the early bird catches the voter.
- The therapy works on the principle that like cures like.
- These devices work on the principle that the oscillating frequency of a crystal under an applied voltage changes with crystal mass.
- They work on the principle that most people pay up if they're pestered for long enough.
- When a crime is reported to the police they do not work on the assumption that anyone could have done it.
- A 16-year-old girl works herself into a frenzy of grief for a friend killed by right-wing vigilantes.
- I could see at once he was working himself into a panic about it all.
- I knew I was working myself into a state, but I kept on staring at the picture of the dead girl.
- It was silly to work himself into a state like this.
- Make sure that the horse stays calm and does not work himself into a frenzy.
- You're working yourself into a state.
- But no one should underestimate the amount of hard work it would take.
- Don't try and work it out any more.
- Every work it says here is true.
- For the purpose of this work it has two meanings, one musical and one socioeconomic.
- Hard work it was, but good, clean fun.
- He had worked it all out, everything.
- In terms of work it was a real way out for Hereward from his appalling home background.
- In the light of revisionist work it is difficult to treat Nicholas's resistance to liberal reform as a matter of chance or historical accident.
- Accountants would always be kept busy showing the rest of us how to work the system.
- It is better if this problem can be avoided by having the operators work the system properly.
- Many say privately that for whatever reason, too many black parents fail to work the system.
- They are all working the system.
- Sometimes I think that they work us too hard in this office.
- The bank's managers admit that they work their employees hard, but on the other hand they pay good wages.
- His mother had had a hard life - had worked her fingers to the bone bringing up six children.
- In those days we got up at 5 in the morning, and worked our fingers to the bone.
- I work my butt off for you, while that restaurant is doing worse and worse.
- I worked my butt off in basketball and stayed on the varsity-in fact, did well.
- I had to give the ball up, and then I had work my butt off to get it back.
- In short, I worked my butt off.
- Meanwhile, Inspiral Carpets went in at grass roots level and worked their butts off in the clubs.
- You could have worked your butt off helping a rep and you finally got the rep doing everything right.
- Plants work to rules rather different from those of animals.
- Video-Tape, no voice over ARNCOTT/Oxfordshire Prison officers at Bullingdon prison near Bicester began their work to rule last night.
- Among the many details to be worked out is where the construction dollars would come from.
- Bakker believed that dinosaur speed could, reasonably accurately enough, be worked out from the angle of the limb joints.
- But surely something of this kind can be worked out.
- Helms indicated payment should be withheld until the United Nations completed reforms, but said the differences could be worked out.
- In Example 12 the temperature change over a time interval was to be worked out.
- It is essentially something which must become part of our daily lives, and be worked out in and through them.
- The compromise was worked out in huddles that went late into the night Tuesday and concluded Wednesday.
- When the iron ore was worked out the township including the school would pack up and move on.
- He took a beating today but he played his butt off.
- I had to give the ball up, and then I had work my butt off to get it back.
- I work my butt off for you, while that restaurant is doing worse and worse.
- I worked my butt off in basketball and stayed on the varsity-in fact, did well.
- In short, I worked my butt off.
- Meanwhile, Inspiral Carpets went in at grass roots level and worked their butts off in the clubs.
- You could have worked your butt off helping a rep and you finally got the rep doing everything right.
- Our new accounting system works like a charm.
- A slap on the hand or the behind works like a charm for one parent-child combination.
- But let me first applaud the coupling: it works like a charm.
- However, the schmaltzy parts, near the end, work like a charm.
- This time, the setup worked like a charm.
- Embroidery is very close work.
- A final recommendation of the consultants was a radical attempt to forge a closer working relationship between the board and staff members.
- Before I had been there a month my eyes began to suffer and I had to start wearing glasses for close work.
- He and Clinton have formed such a close working partnership that Kemp, as vice president, would like to emulate Gore.
- Microscopes can only be used for close work, telescopes for viewing objects from arm's length distance to infinity.
- One benefit, he said, is the closer working relationship between defense contractors and the Navy.
- Task lighting usually entails higher levels of illumination needed for reading and other close work.
- But from the start, feature animation was a collaborative effort.
- Combined with virtual reality capabilities, the team can design its own ideal collaborative work space without the constraints of physical reality.
- One of the most powerful forms of learning to which I was exposed on my course was active collaborative work.
- Since their Nobel lectures describe one collaborative effort, I suggest that we listen to them without interruption.
- The activities would demand collaborative work, role allocation and sharing.
- The early deadline gave little time for meetings and collaborative effort, or a very considered response to the new timetabling arrangements.
- The project being proposed by the Commission would put up £450 million for collaborative work in computers and automation.
- When it came time for his second album, he decided to make it a collaborative effort.
- Box sets collect music into greatest hits, anthologies, chronologies, complete collected works, best-of and worst-of packages.
- He took down a copy of Wordsworth's collected poems.
- His collected works, he said, probably fill four foot ten of shelf space.
- Its author Tom Holt began, if I remember right, by publishing his collected poems at the age of 12.
- Mr Zhivkov's 44-volume collected works has disappeared from Sofia's bookshops since he was removed.
- My collected works rendered the Horsehead Nebula, goofy space cruisers, robots, and Saturn.
- They were first printed by William Caxton in 1475; the collected works were first illustrated by William Thynne in 1532.
- Also the day-to-day work of schools and the task of assessing pupils assumed a higher importance than the development of new curriculum.
- But since the arrival of Robins, he has taken a backseat role with day-to-day business being handled by the new chairman.
- Directors were given the exclusive right to manage the day-to-day business of the company.
- In our day-to-day lives, including day-to-day scientific lives, we have little need of such confirmed hypotheses.
- It also recognises that day-to-day business and executive authority is vested in line management.
- Justices, of course, are accustomed, as part of their day-to-day work, to assessing costs of comparatively small amounts.
- The problem arises because there is nothing in our day-to-day life to provide us with sufficient exercise.
- While with the Chargers for the past two years, McNeely oversaw the day-to-day business operations.
- It takes some detective work to trace the symptom back to its cause.
- Brilliant detective work with a little luck tossed in to catch the savvy killer.
- Drawn to the subject via a footnote, McKillop did some literary detective work to uncover Deeks's story.
- Finding the missing parts has been a lucky blending of good fortune and good detective work.
- In fact tying a pollution to its source can be a tricky piece of detective work.
- It takes a bit of detective work to trace the symptom back to the cause.
- Late one night, they ran into Ken Creese, one of two detectives working the case.
- Much slow and painstaking geological detective work is needed to make correlations such as these, but the results can be very valuable.
- So it would take more years of dogged detective work by a handful of investigators to connect the dots.
- Tell Fran I'm not going to do her dirty work for her.
- Her unnecessary decision to do the dirtiest work in the place struck them as alarming.
- Applicability Intensive school-to-work experiences, such as apprenticeships, are not for every student.
- At Level One the student will contribute to the planning and arrangement of work experience.
- Her work experience has been various, including that of Director of an environmental research institute.
- In 1984 the Institute published its first work experience guidelines for the training of students.
- It would emphasize learning in the context of work-not just work experience.
- Knowledge of management principles and practices, gained through work experience and formal education, is important.
- She also spent time shadowing health-care professionals and getting hands-on work experience.
- The view that they lack work experience is contradicted by a substantial body of evidence.
- Both surveys showed that for many people poverty was a way of life even when they were in gainful employment.
- How does he survive without gainful employment?
- In each decade of the twentieth century, fewer men over 65 have been entered in the censuses as in gainful employment.
- Indeed, it has even become fashionable for women to choose dependency by repudiating ambition and gainful employment once they have children.
- It occurred to him that it might be easier to find gainful employment in Cornwall.
- Some of us actually have gainful employment.
- The potential for a recession across most regions of the world will have ramifications for the prospects of expatriates in gainful employment.
- When in low spirits, seek gainful employment.
- And I was going to school.
- Dad, I want to go to school.
- Everyone says the space program is great, he goes to work on the space program.
- His Mum went to work this afternoon.
- I was too upset to go to school.
- Keith makes himself go to work.
- Phillips should have lost his eligibility for the year while continuing to just go to school.
- When he was told he must go to school, he said he would not.
- But don't drive yourself into the ground.
- I've already explained to you how I've worked myself into the ground setting up the interview.
- I tried working myself into the ground, but I could be totally exhausted and still remember.
- Mitchell and White ran themselves into the ground and Nicky Summerbee tried everything he could to get a goal.
- They ran themselves into the ground, ran Chesterfield off the pitch, but they couldn't get another goal.
- She was making hard work of plucking the goose.
- You can make hard work of an easy job if you don't know the right way to go.
- Ahead of her, Bite the Bullet's jockey was hard at work while the horse on his outside was clearly beaten.
- Cook was making fresh cornbread rolls for breakfast and lesser mortals were hard at it with brooms and mops.
- He was hard at work on the translation of a play which had to be ready two days later.
- Not much is said, as each young person, and Bill, is hard at work at the task at hand.
- Over the road, Sylvia Brackley and daughter, Karen are hard at work on this year's crop.
- Thacker had set him a spot of overtime and he was hard at it in the mill.
- Today, all eight of the Van Andel and DeVos offspring are hard at work making this company better.
- When she was hard at work and on top of things her productivity was exceptional.
- Among them are hundreds of university journalism professors who routinely offer courses in investigative reporting at their schools.
- Categories are feature writing, investigative reporting, community service, commentary, photography, international reporting and pioneer.
- However, 11 different modes of assessment were noted, including mental, practical, calculator, project and investigative work.
- It's very easy to organise some investigative work by children on school meals provision.
- Perhaps I should take up this investigative journalism.
- Some 600 Boston University journalism students had braved a rainy Friday night in 1976 to hear a panel discussion on investigative reporting.
- The team felt it important to extend the evaluation to all investigative work.
- With ratings down, however, the show last fall refocused on investigative reporting and celebrity interviews and stopped paying for stories.
- A further disadvantage is the work involved in returning the manure to the field.
- It is also often used to pay for the preliminary work involved in making applications for civil and criminal legal aid.
- She would like to know their reaction to the work involved in taking the course. 14.
- The chief drawback to small-scale silage-making is the extra physical work involved in handling the green crop with its high water content.
- The effort involved in constructing such circles was enormous.
- The work involved in writing this summation must have been back-breaking, and certainly took years of research.
- We have to do the more general piece of work involved in clearing one more bias from our morality.
- From then on it was just a job of work to be done.
- He had an enjoyable job of work waiting for him, and asked for no more than that.
- In that sense, it is like any other job of work, or like being any parent.
- Then he would put his quill pens aside and consider an honest job of work.
- This is a two-man job of work since you need one to hold the ferret securely while the other ties the knots.
- You should treat it as a straight forward job of work and get on with it.
- But she made light work of polishing off the shopping at a supermarket near her West London home.
- It makes light work of a complex process thanks to a series of easy-to-use wizards.
- Or making light work of the Mall in London.
- Willie Thorne made light work of the promising Nottinghamshire youngster, Anthony Hamilton, as he eased into the last 16.
- Across the country, says Fitness magazine, enterprising and agile therapists are working their magic on patients while running alongside them.
- Biemiller referred the congressman to this doctor, who again worked his magic.
- But now the two men have changed places, and the boat has worked its magic.
- Charles was one such, and he invited her to Highgrove to work her magic.
- He said his name was Christmas and he had worked his magic act in theatres and royal palaces all over the world.
- Morley weaves its magic only by using a hedge fund to protect the assets of shareholders.
- Paris works its magic on me.
- Two others have medical problems that have to be corrected before he can work his magic.
- I first borrowed a bottle from work and it works like magic.
- The new layout and office furniture worked like magic.
- We're relying on Foster performing miracles out on the football field today.
- A hired hand who worked miracles and shared what little he had with those few who were less fortunate.
- And she has already been known, you tell me, to work miracles.
- Cloughie has performed miracles with limited resources at his disposal.
- Even if animosity worked miracles in bringing about good grades, would it be worth it?
- If he can work miracles in me, you have no problem.
- People actually believe he performs miracles.
- Whereas for me she works miracles.
- Why should anyone mind a person working miracles?
- Cyril and Wyatt had gone around together with that other boy, that Donald, who was a nasty piece of work.
- You'd best steer clear of him, Manderley, he's a nasty piece of work.
- Hall of Power - a range of engines and heavy machinery, most of which are in working order and operated daily.
- The locomotive was in working order at the time and negotiations proceeded which resulted in transportation to Swanage as described above.
- To this day the milling machinery is in working order.
- Two isn't multiplicity and Castelfonte never was in running order, and now they were living in hotels.
- Price's wit and sarcasm are working overtime in this production.
- He said engineers are working overtime to fix the problems.
- His brain was working overtime and he just stood there goggling.
- His brain was working overtime now.
- It looked as if his karma was working overtime.
- Meanwhile, aluminum manufacturers were working overtime to supply the armament industry.
- Soon after I left them, they were working overtime to fulfil a big order, when there was a breakdown.
- Their local maternity unit was working overtime.
- Then he announced gleefully that light bulb orders had jumped, suggesting that factories were working overtime.
- And taking Pride in their work ... behind the scenes of a top drama.
- He takes pride in his appearance, setting a high standard to exemplify his healthy leadership style.
- I take pride in my work-particularly my work as a health educator.
- In fact, a set of beautifully manicured nails is a sign of a woman who takes pride in her appearance.
- Muriel took pride in their appearance and tried to forget Stephen's late night and Lily's missing days.
- The croft cottage was small, only two rooms, but she took pride in her work.
- You have to take pride in your work.
- Carmen would have made short work of Michael too.
- Fourth placed Guisborough made short work of the opposition at Saltburn.
- Guernsey made short work of the opposition when they won the event on home soil in 1990.
- He made short work of the remainder of his lunch, pushed his chair from the table, and stood up.
- It is fair to warn anglers that thousands of crabs soon make short work of rag and lugworm.
- It made short work of our Windows performance tests, WinTach, clocking up an impressive index of over 9.3.
- The second game we pull away early and make short work of it.
- These cannibalistic tadpoles make short work of one of their siblings.
- A steady income stream is required to meet the costs of the syndicated lending department.
- And we receive a steady income from interest on Third World debts.
- He appears to have given up steady work.
- I wish he had taken up some steady work.
- Maybe you are heading toward retirement and therefore need investments that can provide you with a steady income.
- Sethe was laughing; he had a promise of steady work, 124 was cleared up from spirits.
- She chooses whatever is available, probably a slightly older man with no more money but a steady job.
- The only ones with a steady income were teachers, storekeepers and local officials.
- He was rising in the world, a celebrated hijacker, and Charlie was a working stiff with money problems.
- Instead of working stiffs, we get craftsmen.
- My dad was a poor working stiff.
- They're ordinary working stiffs, doing their job.
- This was my first residence as a working stiff.
- Elections are invaluable, however, for providing the people with a peaceful way of throwing politicians out of office.
- Naturally, stock market crashes and recessions end up tossing businesses into bankruptcy court and throwing people out of work.
- Well, O. K. But throw him out of office in a rank-and-file election?
- But his parents are faced with a desperate race against time to raise the money necessary for his treatment.
- For the cartoonists, it's a daily battle against time, to create work that captures the imagination.
- However, with the contract negotiations starting, Lipton and others know that they are fighting a battle against time.
- It is a race against time.
- It looks as if my whole life is a race against time.
- Now it is a race against time to rebuild it before high spring ties later this month.
- The picture which became the cover shot, of the Rollright Stones, was a particular race against time.
- They face a race against time as fears grow over the health of the whales and the possibility of their becoming beached.
- As usual, she looked a treat.
- Don't he look a treat!
- I bet it works a treat.
- I must say, Gwen, your garden looks a treat.
- I repeated a few times, and it worked a treat - on a window as well.
- It's another first-rate conversion that works a treat on the Game Gear.
- Much funnier than Tarzan or Hercules, this works a treat because the hero, Emperor Kuzco, is an anti-hero.
- A whole range of behaviour is subsumed under the umbrella of bureaucratic self-interest.
- Finally, war served to bring all members of a society, soldier and civilian, under the umbrella of national consciousness.
- Governments also use the more industrially orientated labs under the umbrella of the Fraunhofer society.
- A larger number still provide a wide range of formal and informal voluntary services.
- A recent Gallup poll found that 98m adults are involved in voluntary service, a 23% increase in two years.
- An alternative to clubs and classes is voluntary work.
- But people without a job who have found fulfilling voluntary work or an absorbing hobby also score highly.
- Morley took up her evenings but daytime was given to voluntary work.
- Several had written books and articles and others were involved in voluntary work.
- Use the expertise and facilities of your local authorities and voluntary services for practical help, advice and social activities.
- We have a great tradition of voluntary services and charitable giving.
- Environmentalists have warned that dioxins accumulate in fat and milk and will work their way through the food chain.
- He's probably smoking his way through your deposit.
- He had even tried starting at page 1 and working his way through to the end.
- He worked his way through a bag of sandwiches and four cans of Pepsi.
- He worked his way through college, performing menial tasks in exchange for reduced tuition.
- Tom, like most of the others, will need lots of reinforcement as he works his way through the change.
- We are attempting to work our way through all these questions.
- You could sense the passage of time working its way through the foundation.
- A long weekend away from work will do wonders for your peace of mind.
- A very little bit of sugar works wonders for dishes that are based on sour tastes.
- And the visit of a white lady from afar will do wonders for his reputation!
- Failing that, lectures don't seem to work but subtle, unspoken signs can work wonders.
- It does wonders for the individual, and it brings families together.
- Special teaching and therapy, plenty of encouragement and stimulation can work wonders.
- This will work wonders in terms of future sales.
- Time also has worked wonders, pruning many of the bad investigative reporters and retaining many of the good ones.
WORD FAMILYnounworkworkaholicworkerworkingworkingsadjectiveworkable ≠ unworkableoverworkedworkingverbworkrework
1do a job for money [intransitive] to do a job that you are paid for: Where do you work? Many young people in the area have never worked. The injury means he’ll probably never work again.work for He works for a law firm.work at/in I work at the university.work as She works as a consultant for a design company.work in industry/education/publishing etc The studies were undertaken by people working in education.work part-time/full-time I work part-time in a library.GRAMMAR: Prepositions with work• You work in a city or area: · He works in Manhattan.• You work in a type of place such as a bank, shop, or factory: · She works in a library.• You work at a particular place or organization: · She works at the Library of Congress.• You work for a person, company, or organization that employs you: · He works for his father.· We both work for the same company.• You work in an industry or a type of job, for example education, advertising, or IT: · He works in advertising.• You work as a waiter, cashier, accountant etc: · She works as a cook. ✗Don’t say: She works as cook.• You work on a project or task: · Several people worked on the report.2do your job [intransitive, transitive] to do the activities and duties that are part of your job: Sally isn’t working tomorrow. Staff will have to get used to a new way of working.work with One of the women I work with is getting married this weekend.work under somebody (=have someone who is in charge of you) Each site has a fully trained team who work under a site manager.work days/nights/weekends etc I get paid more if I work nights. We’re sometimes expected to work twelve-hour days. Are you working late (=working after the time you usually finish) again tonight? Forty police officers are working round the clock (=working day and night without stopping) to find Murray’s killer. Nowadays, many people are able to work from home.3help [intransitive] if you work with someone or a group of people, your job involves trying to help themwork with/among She’s just retired after 38 years working with children. He has worked among some of the world’s poorest people.4do an activity [intransitive] to spend time and effort doing something: I’ve been working in the garden all afternoon. I’m going to have to work really hard to pass these exams. We’re working together to develop a new system.5try to achieve something [intransitive] to try continuously to achieve a particular thingwork towards They are working towards a solution to their problems.work for We will work for the release of the hostages.work to do something The police are working to provide more help for victims of crime. The company is working hard to improve its image. He worked tirelessly (=worked very hard in a determined way) for the charity throughout his life.6machine/equipment a)[intransitive] if a machine or piece of equipment works, it does what it is supposed to do: You should check that the smoke alarm is working properly. The delete key doesn’t work.get something to work I can’t get the heater to work. b)[transitive] to make a machine or piece of equipment do what it is supposed to do: My parents can’t even work the video.7be effective/successful [intransitive] to be effective or successful: Making a marriage work can take a lot of effort. I’ve never found a diet that works. The recipe works just as well if you use margarine instead of butter. The cream works immediately to relieve sore skin.work for You need to find which method works best for you.work against a drug that works against some types of cancer8have an effect [intransitive always + adverb/preposition] if something such as a fact, situation, or system works in a particular way, it has a particular effect on someone or something: The arrangement works well for everyone involved. The French team are the heavier crew, which should work in their favour (=help them). Sexism still works against (=harms or causes problems for) women in many professions. Loyalty works both ways (=involves two opposite or matching effects): we are loyal to our employees and, in turn, they are loyal to us.9art/style/literature [intransitive] if a painting, design, piece of writing etc works, it is successful because it has the effect on you that the painter, writer etc intended: I don’t think the scene with the horses really works, do you?work for The colour combination just doesn’t work for me.10shape/cut something [transitive] if you work a material such as metal, leather, or clay, you cut, sew, or shape it in order to make something11use a substance [intransitive] to use a particular material or substance in order to make something such as a picture, design, jewellery etcwork in/with a sculptor who works in steel a jeweller who works with silver12work your way to/through etc something a)to move somewhere slowly and with difficulty: From here, we worked our way carefully across the rock base. b)to achieve something gradually by working: He had worked his way up to head of department.13work your way through school/college/university etc to do a job while you are a student because you need the money to pay for your courses, books etc14move gradually [intransitive, transitive always + adverb/preposition] to move into a particular state or position very gradually, either in a series of small movements or after a long time: Slowly he worked the screwdriver into the crack.work (its way) loose One of the screws must have worked loose.15exercise [transitive] to use and exercise a muscle or part of your body: Swimming is a form of exercise that works every muscle in your body.16move [intransitive, transitive] formal if a part of your body works or you work it, it moves: She was trembling and her mouth was working.17work in an area [transitive] especially American English if you work a particular area or type of place, you travel around the area for your job, or work in that type of place: Markowitz works the Tri-State area.18work the door to take tickets from people as they enter a club, theatre etc: Binns worked the door at various Manhattan clubs.19entertain a crowd [transitive] if an entertainer or politician works a crowd of people, they entertain them and get their interest or support: She really knew how to work a crowd.20land/soil [transitive] if you work the land, soil etc, you do all the work necessary to grow crops on it: He was left to work the farm alone.21mine [transitive] to remove a substance such as coal, gold, or oil from under the ground22work like magic/work like a charm (also work a treat British English) to be very effective: a polish that works a treat on windows23mind/brain [intransitive] if your mind or brain is working, you are thinking or trying to solve a problem24work on the principle/assumption/basis etc that to base ideas, plans etc on a particular fact that you think is true: We’re working on the assumption that the conference will take place in Canada, as planned.25work yourself into a frenzy/panic/state etc to make yourself become very nervous, angry etc: He seemed to be working himself into a rage.26work it/things spoken to make arrangements for something to happen, especially by behaving in a clever or skilful way: We should try and work it so that we can all go together.27work the system to understand how a system works so that you can get advantages for yourself, often in a slightly dishonest way: Lynn could show the rest of us how to work the system.28work somebody hard (also work somebody into the ground informal) to make someone work very hard: The coach has been working us really hard this week. People have complained that they are being worked into the ground.work yourself into the ground I’ve worked myself into the ground setting up this interview.29work your fingers to the bone (also work your socks off informal) to work very hard30work your butt/ass/arse off not polite to work very hard31calculate [transitive] American English formal to calculate the answer to a mathematical problem32work to rule British English to protest about a situation at work by doing your job slowly, with the excuse that you must obey all the rules exactly33(it) works for me/you etc spoken used to say that something is very suitable for someone and does exactly what they wanted or expected: I meditate and do Yoga every day. It works for me and I think it could work for you too.34work a trend/look etc to wear something fashionable – used especially in magazines: Gemma looks great as she works the nautical look. → work wonders at wonder2(4), → work miracles at miracle(4), → work your magic at magic1(5)work around somebody/something (also work round somebody/something British English) phrasal verb to arrange or organize something so that you avoid problems that may stop you from doing something: John won’t be here on the 15th so we’ll have to work round that.work around to something (also work round to something British English) phrasal verb to gradually mention a subject in a conversation or piece of writing, especially because it is embarrassing: You’ll have to work round to the subject gradually.work at something phrasal verb to try hard to improve something or achieve something: Learning a language isn’t easy. You have to work at it.work at doing something couples who want to work at improving their relationshipwork somebody/something in phrasal verb1 work something ↔ in (also work something into something) to include something in a speech, piece of writing, activity etc: He managed to work in a few references to his new book. Here are a few goodies you can work into your daily diet.2 work something ↔ in (also work something into something) to add one substance to another and mix them together in a very thorough way: Work the butter into the flour.3American English spoken to arrange to meet someone, even though you are very busy SYN fit somebody in British English: My schedule’s pretty full, but I think I can work you in.work something ↔ off phrasal verb1to get rid of something, especially a feeling such as anger, nervousness etc, by doing something that uses a lot of your energy: Walking is excellent for working off tension. I need to go and work off a few of these calories.2to do a job for someone else because you owe them money or because they have helped you in the past: She hasn’t worked off her debts to me yet.work on somebody/something phrasal verb1to spend time working in order to produce or repair something: He has spent the last two years working on a book about childcare. Every weekend you see him working on his car.2to try very hard to improve or achieve something: A trainer has been brought in to work on her fitness.work on doing something We need to work on ensuring that the children feel safe and confident.3to try continuously to influence someone or persuade them to do something: You leave him to me. I’ll work on him.work out phrasal verb1plan work something ↔ out to think carefully about how you are going to do something and plan a good way of doing it: UN negotiators have worked out a set of compromise proposals.work out what/where/how etc We need to work out how we’re going to get there. I had it all worked out (=had made very careful plans).2calculate work something ↔ out to calculate an answer, amount, price etc: See if you can work this bill out.work out how much/how many etc We’ll have to work out how much food we’ll need for the party.3understand work something ↔ out especially British English to think about something and manage to understand it: The plot is very complicated – it’ll take you a while to work it out.work something out for yourself I’m sure you can work it out for yourself.4cost if a cost or amount works out at a particular figure, it is found to be that much when you calculate itwork out at/to £10/$500 etc The bill works out at £15 each.work out expensive/cheap etc (=be expensive or cheap) If we go by taxi, it’s going to work out very expensive.5get better if a problem or complicated situation works out, it gradually gets better or gets solved: Things will work out, you’ll see. I hope it all works out for Gina and Andy.work itself out I’m sure everything will work itself out.6happen if a situation works out in a particular way, it happens in that way SYN turn outwork out well/badly Financially, things have worked out well for us.7exercise to make your body fit and strong by doing exercises: He works out with weights twice a week. → workout8I can’t work somebody out British English spoken used to say that you cannot understand what someone is really like or why they behave in the way they do: I couldn’t work her out at all.9be worked out if a mine is worked out, all the coal, gold etc has been removed from itwork somebody over phrasal verb informal to attack someone by hitting them several timeswork through phrasal verb1work through something to deal with problems or unpleasant feelings: After someone dies, it can take a long time to work through your grief.2if the result or effect of something works through, it becomes noticeable: The positive effect on businesses may take up to three years to work through.work up phrasal verb1 work up enthusiasm/interest/courage etc to make yourself feel interested, brave etc: I’m trying to work up enough courage to go to the dentist.2 work up an appetite/a thirst/a sweat to make yourself hungry or thirsty, or make yourself sweat, especially by doing physical exercise: You can work up a really big thirst playing tennis.3 work somebody up to make someone very angry, excited, or upset about somethingwork yourself up You’re working yourself up again. She had worked herself up into a state. → worked up4work something ↔ up to develop and improve something such as a project or a piece of writing: Jack took notes which he would work up into a report later.work up to something phrasal verb to gradually prepare yourself to do something difficultwork up to doing something He’d been working up to asking her for a date all week.work1 verbwork2 noun
workwork2 ●●● S1 W1 noun WORD ORIGINwork2
Origin:
Old English werc, weorcEXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- 'Where's Dave?' 'He's outside, doing some work on the car, I think.'
- A considerable amount of work was necessary to establish even this basic framework.
- A major new work by one of Poland's leading film directors will be shown next Saturday.
- Alexander commutes 30 miles to work each day.
- Are you still involved in charity work?
- Being in the police isn't all action. Administration is a large part of the work we do.
- Could I ride with you to work tomorrow?
- David tries to avoid work at all times.
- Finally, I would like to thank all the staff for their hard work this year.
- Handel's "Messiah" is one of the most majestic musical works ever written.
- Have you ever done bar work before?
- He's doing construction work these days.
- He eventually found work as a labourer on a construction site.
- He liked the work, and he was good at it too.
- Her later works reflected her growing depression.
- Her mother tried to call her at home and then at work.
- His injuries have made it impossible for him to go back to work.
- His last few speeches had been awful, and he knew he had to put more work into them.
- How do you like your work?
- I'm not doing any more work on the house this year, I can't be bothered.
- A quick change can be effected by using this additional experience to point to another type of work.
- An opportunity was afforded when the council supported El Universal in its uncomplimentary evaluation of the work of the early independence leaders.
- For this reason, parents are always welcome to see their children at work in our school.
- Rawls's work reaches somewhat different conclusions concerning justice and equality to that of Hayek.
- She is surrounded by books and papers; her desk piled high with correspondence relating to her work.
- Who says museum work doesn't pay?
THESAURUS
noun [countable] the regular paid work that you do for an employer: · a full-time job· John got a job in a car factory.
noun [uncountable] activities that you are paid for doing – used either when you work for an employer or when you work in your own business: · I started work when I was 18.· He graduated from college last year and is still looking for work.
noun [countable] a job for which you need special education and training: · There are now a lot more women in the legal profession.· Many teachers are leaving the profession.
noun [countable] formal a job, or a type of job – often used on official documents: · Please give your name, age, and occupation.· a traditionally male occupation
noun [countable] the work you do or plan to do for most of your life: · I’m interested in a career in journalism.
noun [countable] formal a particular job within an organization: · I am writing to apply for the position of technical assistant.· We regret that the position has already been filled.· Please state the position which you are applying for.
noun [countable] formal a job, especially an important one in a large organization: · She has held the post of managing director for two years.· He applied for the post of Senior Manager.
noun [countable] a job that is available for someone to do: · The hospital has been unable to fill the vacancy.· There are very few openings in scientific research.
noun [countable] an important job which someone is asked to do: · He took an appointment as US trade ambassador in Geneva.
noun [countable] a situation in which someone is sent somewhere to do a job for a period of time by the organization they work for: · This was his first posting outside the UK.· an overseas posting· His next posting took him to the Ministry of Defence.
noun [countable] a job that involves using your hands, and for which you need special training: · Most of the men had worked in skilled trades such as carpentry and printing.
noun [uncountable] the fact of having a job: · The factory will provide employment for local people.· She was offered employment in the sales office.
noun [uncountable] careful detailed work that is done in order to find out more about a subject, especially as a part of a scientific or academic project: · Billions of dollars have been spent on research into the causes and treatment of cancer.· The University has for a long time been a leading centre for research in this field.
noun [uncountable] the studies that have been done on a particular subject: · Faraday is famous for his work on electricity.· A lot of work has been done on hydrogen-powered cars.· Their work had an enormous influence on the study of genetics.
noun [countable] a piece of work in which someone examines a particular subject in order to find out more about it, and writes about what they have found: · The study showed that 25 percent of adults do not eat breakfast at all, compared with 14 percent in 1961.· Recent studies suggest that our sense of smell is closely linked with the part of the brain that deals with memory.
noun [countable] a scientific test in order to find out what happens when you do something: · They carried out a series of experiments (=they did a series of experiments) in order to try to prove their theory.· Experiments have shown that there is an increased risk of some forms of cancer.
the sounds made by musical instruments or people singing: · The music was really loud.
the main series of musical notes in a piece of music: · a folk song with a pretty tune
the main series of notes in a piece of music that has many notes being played at the same time, especially in classical music: · The soprano sang the melody.
the chords or notes in a piece of music that support the melody: · the rich harmonies in the symphony
(also piece of music) an arrangement of musical notes – use this about music without words: · It’s a difficult piece to play.
formal a piece of music that someone has written: · This is one of his own compositions.
a piece of music, especially classical music: · one of Mozart’s best-known works
one of the songs or pieces of music on a CD: · the album’s title track
a piece of popular music that forms part of a concert or show: · the show’s first number
Longman Language Activatorwork that someone does as part of their job the things that you have to do in your job, which need time and effort: · What kind of work are you looking for?· He liked the work, and he was good at it too.do some/more etc work: · Scott's doing some work for me at the moment, as it happens.· I didn't get much work done today.· Being in the police isn't all action. Administration is a large part of the work we do.personnel/secretarial/bar etc work: · Have you ever done bar work before?· He's doing construction work these days.· It's clerical work mainly -- pretty boring.voluntary/charity work (=work that you do not get paid for): · She does two afternoons voluntary work at the playgroup. · Are you still involved in charity work?extra/more/additional work: · The last thing I want is extra work.
work that you do in your job, especially work that involves buying and selling, travelling to different places, or discussing things such as contracts with people: · I was in London last month because I had some business there.· Gerald left, saying he had some important business to attend to.· Some insurance companies offer lower rates for drivers who do not use their cars for business.· "Is this trip for business or pleasure?" "Business, I'm afraid."do business: · The paper claims to provide proof that some drug lords are doing business from their jail cells.business trip/meeting/traveller etc: · "Where's Michael?" "He's at a business meeting."· This is strictly a business trip.· Our main market is the business traveler looking for cheap overnight accommodation. on business (=for business, not pleasure): · I have to go to Tokyo next month on business.
the various things that you have to do as part of your job - used especially in contracts or other official documents: somebody's duties: · In addition to secretarial and general office work, your duties will include providing the directors with refreshments.· As soon as she returned home from her honeymoon, she resumed her medical duties at the clinic.go about/perform/fulfil duties: · A teacher can be dismissed for not performing his or her contractual duties.· She is a member of staff, and like all of us, she has duties to fulfil.· I admired him, especially because of the way he went about his duties efficiently.suspend somebody/relieve somebody from duties (=to stop them doing their job for a period of time): · Three instructors have been suspended from duties while sexual harassment charges are investigated.· Nine officers were relieved of their duties after McDuffie's death.
work that a student does the work that a student has to do at home as part of their studies: · My brother always used to help me with my homework.do (your) homework: · I'm sorry Gail, but Amber has to stay home and do her homework.· Oh, I've got so much homework to do!· Did you get your homework done Jason?have homework: · I don't have any homework tonight.· Have you got a lot of homework then?for homework: · For homework, I'd like you to finish exercises 2 and 3 on page 24.English/geography etc homework: · Dave, have you done your French homework?
the work that a student does when they are at school, rather than work they do at home: · Mrs Hoffmann, I'm calling about Mike's classwork. There are some problems.· The units are ideal for classwork, but can also be used by students at home.
all the work that a student has to do for their studies: · Johnny's had a lot of problems at home recently and it's starting to affect his schoolwork.· The program combines schoolwork with job experience.· Tim, a third-grader, had difficulty with his schoolwork, and also found it hard to make friends.
British the work that a student has to do for the course that they are studying, especially when this is compared with work done in examinations: · Half of the marks are for the exam, the rest are for coursework.· None of the coursework seemed to have much relevance to being a nurse in a busy hospital.· I'm just so behind on the coursework.
formal the work that a student does at a school or university: somebody's studies: · After the war, he resumed his studies at the University of Turin.· Her parents insisted that she give up the vacation job, as they felt it was interfering with her studies.finish/complete your studies: · After completing her studies at the University, she worked as a nurse for six years.
work that you have to do in your home work that needs to be done in your home, for example, cleaning, washing clothes, or keeping rooms tidy: · None of her kids ever help with the housework.· I've got to catch up on the housework this weekend.do housework: · Well, I did all my housework this morning, though you wouldn't think it to look at the place now.
the things that you have to do in your home, for yourself or your family: · The garden needs a bit more work, but it's almost finished.· Use the best tools and materials you can afford to give a professional finish to your DIY work.do some/any more/a bit of etc work: · 'Where's Dave?' 'He's outside, doing some work on the car, I think.'work on: · I'm not doing any more work on the house this year, I can't be bothered.
a piece of work done by an artist, musician etc something such as a painting, film, book, or long piece of music produced by an artist, writer etc: · The painting is one of Picasso's earlier works.· A major new work by one of Poland's leading film directors will be shown next Saturday.work of art (=a painting or sculpture, especially a famous, important, or very valuable one): · The highest price paid for a work of art was the £30.2 million for Van Gogh's 'Irises'.complete works of somebody (=all the things that someone has produced): · the complete works of William Shakespeare
something that has been produced by an artist, musician, or writer, for example a painting or drawing or a short piece of music or writing: · The concert began with three short pieces by the Brazilian composer Villa-Lobos.· The collection includes pieces in both oils and watercolours, with a range of still life paintings.piece of music/writing/work etc : · Another typical piece of Owen's work is the poem, 'The Sentry'.· a truly impressive piece of Greek sculpture
the effort involved in working · David tries to avoid work at all times.· It seems to be an awful lot of work to keep this place looking tidy.hard work · Finally, I would like to thank all the staff for their hard work this year.· My daughter gained her grades through sheer hard work and determination.put work into something · His last few speeches had been awful, and he knew he had to put more work into them.· Phil has had the car for two years and has put hours of work into it.a considerable/huge/immense etc amount of work · A considerable amount of work was necessary to establish even this basic framework.· The students have put a huge amount of work into the scheme.good/sterling work (=used to say that the effort someone has made is good) · Well done Peter -- keep up the good work.· I hope you'll join me in paying tribute to the sterling work done by the committee this year.
the physical or mental energy that is needed to do something: · It seemed like a lot of effort for a very small gain.· His last piece does require some effort from the listener, but it's well worth it.with effort: · He mounted the slope with effort, breathing hard.a waste of effort: · I could have told you it would be a waste of effort.put effort in/into something: · After all the effort I put in, they had better be satisfied!· Vicki has hardly put in any effort, yet she's expecting the same rewards as everyone else.take/require effort: · This exercise isn't difficult - it shouldn't require much effort.· The former method takes a bit more effort, but the results are more reliable.be (well) worth the effort (=use this when the energy you use is worth using, because the result is good): · Children are hard work, of course, but worth the effort.· The climb is arduous, but well worth the effort, as the views from the top are spectacular.time and effort: · I've spent a lot of time and effort getting this far. I'm not giving up now.
British /labor American hard physical work, such as digging, lifting, or cleaning: · Many women do all the work in the home, and their labour is unpaid.· Marx defined the working class as people who sell their labour to employers.manual/physical labour: · You don't look as if you could do physical labor.farm/agricultural labour: · rising opportunities in agricultural labor in the North
the hard work and loyalty that someone gives to an organization, activity, or piece of work, because they really care about it and believe in it: · Thanks to your energy and commitment, the fundraiser was a great success.commitment to: · Your commitment to the project is very much appreciated by management.total/absolute/full commitment: · He is adamant that he wants total commitment and effort in the build-up to the match.· Lawrence promised full commitment in his drive to make Santa Barbara College the most successful school in the region.
unpleasant or boring work things that you have to do every day, especially as part of your job, which are boring and make you feel tired: grind of: · Work feels like such a grind lately.· The relentless grind of hard labour and ill-health had taken its toll on Booth. the daily grind: · The daily grind of meetings and tutorials went on.hard grind British: · The Prime Minister is pictured taking a break from the hard grind of political life.
British use this to say that work is difficult, boring, and tiring: · The journey across the valley to the farm is going to be a slog.hard/long slog: · It's a hard slog isn't it? I wish we'd got further yesterday.· Cutting all the wood before nightfall was a long, hard slog.
British /grunt work American informal work that is boring or takes a lot of time and effort, but that has to be done as part of a job or larger piece of work: · I was doing grunt work for the secretary in the department, twenty hours a week.· The real donkey work was actually done by those guys.
work that is hard and unpleasant because it is very boring, takes a long time to do, and often involves a lot of physical effort: · Technological advances have taken much of the drudgery out of the assembly line and car plant.· What seemed a promising job turned into months of boredom and drudgery.the drudgery of something: · The data management system has eliminated much of the drudgery of filing.· Calculators were introduced to relieve students of the drudgery of pencil-and-paper number-crunching.
formal difficult and boring work that takes a long time: · Here began their arduous toil to force a living from the land.· man's desire for freedom from physical toil
to do a job that you get paid for · I haven't worked since I had my first child seven years ago.· His illness eventually prevented him from working.· Four teachers agreed to work without pay until things were settled.work for · For nineteen years, my father worked for the General Electric Corporation.· The company Jack worked for gave him fully paid leave during his wife's illness.work in/on/at · I'd never worked in a lab before I came here.· Five mornings a week, she worked on campus.· Over the years, I'd gotten used to all the perks of working at a posh downtown Miami law firm.work as a consultant/secretary/builder etc · He's changed his job and is now working as a consultant for a German firm.· Her father was an artist who sometimes worked as a salesman and labourer.work somewhere · Sorry, Bethany doesn't work here any more.· Where do you work?work long hours/Sundays/nights/full-time etc · He only works three days a week now.· There's always someone in -- I'm working nights so I'm here in the days.· I was working full-time, so I didn't see much of my girlfriend.· Are you prepared to work longer hours occasionally, to get the work done?work hard · My staff work hard, and they trust me. That's important.
if someone is a teacher, farmer, doctor etc, that is their job: · "What do you do?" "I'm a journalist."· She was a teacher for over twenty years.· Before becoming a writer, Schwarz had been a cook, a cab driver and a door-to-door salesman.
: go into teaching/nursing/politics/journalism etc to start working as a teacher, nurse etc, because you have decided that this is the job you would like to do: · Janet says she'd like to go into teaching after she finishes college.· Mills was wealthy even before he went into politics.· Snyder went into business for herself as an independent consultant.
British /practice American to work in a professional job as a doctor, lawyer, dentist etc: · Although he is a qualified dentist, he ceased to practice several years ago.· Kingsley has been practising from the London Hydrotherapy Centre since 1960.practise medicine/law etc: · I graduated from Manchester Law school and practised law with the firm of Arthur & Madden of Birmingham.practise as: · A small proportion of those who complete their training do not practise as doctors.
to do work that is not part of your job to do an activity that needs effort and takes time: · I've been working all day in the garden.· We had to work non-stop to get the boat ready for the race.work on: · I have to work on the Jeep over the weekend.
: do the housework/gardening/cleaning etc to do work that must be done regularly in your home: · I'm always the one who does the cooking and cleaning and stuff around here.· It's about time the laundry was done.· Hey, the washing-up's been done. That must have been Cynthia.
to be at the place where you work to be doing your job at the place where you work, especially at a factory, office etc owned by your employer: · I'm afraid Fran's not here at the moment -- he's at work.· What time do you have to be at work?· I'll tell you, I wish I had these DAT machines at work.
to be at work in a job where there must always be someone working, for example if you are a nurse or a police officer: · You can't drink while you're on duty.on duty 24 hours/from 6.00 p.m./on Mondays etc: · I'm on duty from 8 a.m. on Monday till 12 midday on Thursday.· We're on duty tonight at half past ten.
if someone goes somewhere on business , they go somewhere as part of their job, especially to another city or country: · She drives to Tijuana several times a month on business.· The family was living in the Palace Hotel in Japan because my father was there on business.· Do you travel abroad on business more than three times a year?be away on business: · With her husband frequently away on business, Berenice turns to a close friend for help and support.
if someone such as a doctor, lawyer, or engineer is on call , they can be telephoned and will work if they are needed: · Doctor Lalor won't be at the surgery this afternoon, but she's on call until midnight.· If the machine breaks down at any time, there's always a technician on call.· Construction managers must be on call to deal with emergencies. be on call 24 hours a day/3 days a week etc: · Resident managers live in hotels and are on call 24 hours a day.
a piece of work that you have to do a specific piece of work that you have to do, often one that you are not paid for: · Repairing the roof -- that's going to be the biggest job.· Cleaning the car's one of my least favorite jobs.do a job: · Well, I must go now. I've lots of jobs to do around the house.do a good/nice/beautiful etc job (=do a job well): · I always take my car to York Street garage. They're expensive, but they do a good job.· Irene did a nice job on those clothes didn't she?get on with a job (=continue doing a job): · He didn't complain or criticize, he just got on with the job.odd jobs (=jobs of different kinds that are not regular): · He does odd jobs for people in his spare time.the job in/at hand (=the job you have to do at the moment): · Let's just concentrate on the job in hand, shall we?· She was upset, and found it difficult to keep her mind on the job at hand.
formal a piece of work that you have to do - use this especially about a difficult or unpleasant job, or about a specific part of your work: · One of the first tasks Eva set herself was learning the local language.impossible/difficult/arduous etc task: · The UN Peacekeeping Force faces an almost impossible task.· We knew what had to be done, but it wasn't an easy task.task of: · Recovery crews continued the grim task of retrieving bodies from the wreckage. face/begin/continue a task: · By 2001, we had begun the task of collecting the materials and information needed for the study.· This is one of the most difficult and complex tasks we face.perform a task/carry out a task: · Most of the workers did not have the skills required to perform the most basic tasks.· The massacre was never fully investigated because the police were incapable of carrying out the task.thankless task (=one that no one wants to do because they will get no satisfaction from it): · Who on earth would volunteer for such a thankless task?
a job that you have to do, either for your work or for yourself, especially things that you have to leave your office or house to do: · I'll pick the laundry up on Saturday -- I have some shopping to do anyway.· I've got some work to do this evening.
something that you have to do, especially something that involves writing or drawing and a lot of thinking: do/hand in/submit a piece of work: · Do you actually fail the year if you don't hand in a piece of work?· I've got a merit for every piece of work I've done.good/excellent etc piece of work: · I think this is a very fine piece of work and it deserves a first class mark.· Look at that piece of work and ask yourself the question -- 'Is this the best I can do?'
a piece of work that someone gives you to do, as part of your job or as part of your studies: · Bart's first assignment for the newspaper was to report on the French elections.· This is a really tough assignment, and I believe you're the only person who can handle it.finish/complete an assignment: · She stayed late to complete a class assignment.history/homework/school/military etc assignment: · Robin spent many lunch hours poring over her math assignments.· I eventually got a teaching assignment at Xibei.one-year/two week etc assignment: · 'I figure this will either make or break us,' Cheyne said of the 1-year assignment to get the camp up and running.
an unpleasant or boring job, especially one that you have to do regularly in your home: · Washing the kitchen floor was a daily chore, and it was the one I hated most.· When we opened the store, our ambition was to make shopping less of a chore, more of a pleasure.· When I got old enough I started to have chores around the house.do the/your chores (=do all the cleaning etc that needs doing in a home): · Michael, come on. Do your chores, bud.household chores (=chores in the home, such as cleaning or cooking): · Husbands should be prepared to do their share of the household chores.
a small job that you need to do or that someone has asked you to do, such as buying something, posting something, taking somebody to a place etc: do/run an errand (for somebody): · Before you disappear, I want you to do an errand for me.· Peter cleaned equipment, ran errands, answered the phone -- it was all routine.· I used to pick up her dry cleaning and run errands for her.
something that you have a responsibility to do, especially as a regular part of your job: · For the most part, there was not much to do, other than cleanup duty around the prison camp.· Part of a park ranger's official duties is to ensure public safety.· clerical and secretarial dutieshave a duty to do something formal: · Teachers have a duty to ensure that students are not injured whilst they are in their care.perform a duty: · And now I have a very pleasant duty to perform. I am going to present the prizes to the winning competitors.tour of duty (=a period of time that a soldier or other member of the armed forces spends in a particular place): · He recently completed a tour of duty in Seoul as assistant to the US ambassador there.
an important piece of work an important piece of work that an organization, group, or person plans carefully in order to achieve a particular aim over a long period of time: · The federal government will help fund this immense project, which includes the building of 150 day-care centers.· The government scrapped the project after ruling that the costs were too high.· I've been working on the Inner City Development Project for the last five years.educational/construction/research etc project: · a joint US--British research project· These are encouraging signs that the ballpark project is moving from blueprint to reality.
an important job that someone is sent to do in another place, especially for a military or political purpose: · He was immediately sent to Paris. His mission was to negotiate a ceasefire.· He volunteered to embark on a dangerous secret mission into occupied France.· a rescue mission to salvage a satellitecombat/military mission: · I flew on over 280 combat missions in two wars, so I'm used to danger.
a big or important job, which you decide or agree to do, and which you will be responsible for: huge/major/big etc undertaking: · In the late 1980s, the US embarked on a major undertaking: the human genome project.· Everybody needs to realise that this is a huge undertaking.· Covering an Olympics is an extraordinary undertaking for any television company.
to give someone work to do if you give someone a job, some work etc, you offer them the job, work etc, or ask them to do it for you: give somebody something: · I asked Joel's teacher if we should give him some Level 4 work.· We were given some grammar assignments for homework.give something to somebody: · Angie did a really good interview, but they gave the job to someone with more experience.give somebody something to do/give something to somebody to do: · What can I give Helen to do? She's finished the filing.· OK, you open the parcels. That'll give you something to do.· 'Have you peeled the carrots?' 'No, I gave them to Dad to do.'
formal to give a particular job to a particular person: be assigned something: · You have been assigned the task of keeping the records up to date.· After her promotion took effect, she was assigned a research job.be assigned to somebody: · The job of producing a development program was assigned to the junior minister.· He was asked to assign two of his employees to the inventory control department.
especially British if a teacher or employer sets you a piece of work, they give it to you to do, and you must finish it by a particular time or date: set homework/a task/work etc: · Mr Harris always sets a lot of homework.· Is that all -- or has she set some other task for you as well?· Anneka was set the huge task by Christian Aid on behalf of a family who fled from war-torn Mozambique.set somebody something: · She set us some work to do in groups.· At the end of the session, they were set a homework task.
to appoint someone to do a piece of work for you, for example to write a report or to produce some artistic or scientific work: · The Philadelphia Medical Society commissioned a report on alcoholism.be commissioned for/by/from etc: · His 'Landscapes' Symphony was commissioned for the inaugural concert of the Shepherd School.· Seventy-five percent of Americans think that women are more sensual than men, according to a survey commissioned by Revlon.· The Left-Hand Piano Concerto was the first of several works commissioned from distinguished composers.commission somebody to do something: · In 1506, Bramante was commissioned by Pope Julius II to rebuild St Peter's church.· The gallery is housed in the new wing, which he commissioned Adams to build 18 years ago.
also lumber somebody with British informal to give someone an unpleasant or difficult job to do: be/get saddled with something: · Campaign adviser Ken Polaski has been saddled with the job of explaining the recent presidential gaffes.· 'I'm sorry you've been lumbered with running me back home,' said Ashley stiffly.saddle something with something: · The Hong Kong Rugby Union has saddled Simpkin with the post of national coach to the ailing team.
something that an artist has produced a picture, sculpture, piece of music etc: · The collection contains works by Kahlo and Picasso.· Her later works reflected her growing depression.· Some of the director's best works were created during his neo-realist period.
something produced by an artist, especially something that most people agree is of very high quality: · From a single lump of clay, Torrence had produced a work of art.· The sketches were never meant to be works of art but are beautiful nonetheless.· The best works of art deal with man's struggle with the human condition.
a picture, sculpture, film etc that is of extremely high quality, especially one that is believed to be the best work of a particular artist: · Adam Smith's masterpiece 'The Wealth of Nations' was written in the 18th century.· Thirteen people helped Michelangelo create his masterpiece on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.· The Davis-Evans recording of 'Porgy and Bess' has been rightly called a jazz masterpiece.
to have problems when you are trying to do something if you have difficulty when you are trying to do something, you cannot easily do it: have difficulty/trouble (in) doing something: · It was obvious the patient was having great difficulty breathing.have difficulty/trouble with something: · A lot of Japanese students of English have trouble with the pronunciation of "b's and "v's.
to not be able to do something easily, especially because you do not have enough ability or skill: · I found the course difficult at first, but it gradually got easier.find it difficult to do something: · She always found it difficult to keep up with the rest of the class.
if you do something with difficulty , you can do it, but only by using all your strength, all your determination etc: · She spoke with difficulty, choking back her tears.
to find it difficult to do something, especially because there are unexpected problems or because you have difficulty persuading other people: · I tried to find the house but I had such a hard time, I decided to give up.have a hard time doing something: · I'm still having a hard time getting the company to pay me.
if you can hardly or can barely do something, especially something physical, it is so difficult that you almost cannot do it: · By the end of the day she could hardly walk.· The smell was so bad that I could barely force myself to stay in the room.
if a situation or job is too much for someone , it is too difficult for them to deal with: · All the bullying and back-stabbing in the office was simply too much for him.· The job was too much for any single manager to cope with.
if something is a struggle you have to try very hard and even suffer in order to do it: · Clark lived 112 days on the artificial heart, and each day was a struggle.· She managed to get her money out of the welfare office, but only after a struggle.it is a struggle (for somebody) to do something: · It was a struggle for my mother to understand our lifestyle, but she tried very hard.it is a struggle doing something: · It was a struggle trying to feed a family of five on my salary.
if you say someone would be hard put or hard pressed to do something, you doubt that they would be able to do it because you think it is too difficult: · The two girls look so similar that you'd be hard put to tell the difference between them.· The governor will be hard pressed to find more money for schools while dealing with a $6 billion budget deficit.
also have your work cut out informal to have to work very hard if you are going to succeed in doing something: · I'll have my work cut out to get this design finished by this afternoon.· Rice hopes to break the record during tonight's game, but he'll have his work cut out for him.
informal to have to start doing something difficult such as a new job without people making it easier for you because you are new: · When I first started teaching I was really thrown in at the deep end -- I had a class of forty six-year-olds all on my own.
British spoken if you have a job doing something , it takes a lot of time or a lot of effort, and you may not be able to do it: · You'll have a job persuading him to give you any more money.· There was some kind of festival going on, and we had a job finding somewhere to park the car.
to not have a job · I don't have a job yet, but I'm going for an interview tomorrow.· She's been without a job now for three months.· Many of the students who leave the course this summer won't have a job to go to.
to not have a job, especially for a long period of time: · I've been out of work for two years.· At the age of 33, he suddenly found himself out of work and without much hope of finding any.be thrown out of work (=to suddenly lose your job): · The company's bankruptcy meant that 5,000 people were thrown out of work.
an unemployed person does not have a job: · Fifty per cent of the men in this town are unemployed.unemployed teacher/clerk/factory worker etc (=some one who usually works as a teacher etc): · The accused man is an unemployed labourer from South London.the unemployed (=people who are unemployed): · The government is not doing enough to help the unemployed.
people who are jobless do not have jobs - used especially in news reports: · The factory closure will leave 3,000 workers jobless.· Jobless youths are a major cause of concern.the jobless (=people who do not have jobs): · The bill would allow the jobless to collect 4 to 20 weeks of additional benefits.
British /be on welfare/on unemployment American to be receiving money from the government because you do not have a job: · Many people on welfare don't have anyone to take care of the kids while they train for a job.· Just about everyone on the estate is one the dole. Jobs are scarce.· He spent five months on unemployment before finding a job that paid much less than his previous job.go on the dole/go on welfare (=start getting money from the government because you do not have a job): · Students used to be allowed to go on the dole in the summer holidays, but the government has stopped that.· Rivera lost his job, and the family had to go on welfare.
a job the work that you do regularly in order to earn money, especially when you work for an employer: · My first job was in a record store.· Daniel starts his new job on Monday.· She has a well-paid job in the tax department.get a job: · Ted got a job as a bartender.find a job (=get a job after trying to get a lot of different jobs): · Her son still hasn't been able to find a job.look for a job (=try to get one): · She's looking for a job in the music business.hold a job (=have a job): · If a woman is qualified, she should hold any job in government she wants.part-time job (=when you work less than the usual number of hours each week): · I had a part-time job while I was in college.job losses/job cuts (=when a lot of people lose their jobs): · The company announced 74,000 job cuts and 21 factory closures.
work that someone does regularly to earn money, either by working for an employer or working for themselves: · My father started work when he was 14.· Most people stop work when they are 65.· I usually start work each day around 9 am and finish about 6 pm.· The work's really interesting but the pay's lousy.look for work (=to try to get work): · Lena graduated from college six months ago and she's still looking for work.find work (=to get work): · He eventually found work as a labourer on a construction site.return to work/go back to work (=to start work again after several weeks, months, or years): · Women often return to work after they have had children.· His injuries have made it impossible for him to go back to work.at work (=at the place where you work): · Her mother tried to call her at home and then at work.to work (=to the place where you work): · Alexander commutes 30 miles to work each day.after/before work (=before you start or after you finish your work each day): · They sometimes play tennis after work.
work such as law, medicine, or teaching, for which you need special training and education: · Many teachers are thinking about leaving the profession for more highly paid careers.the teaching/medical/legal etc profession: · There are now a lot more women in the legal profession.go into/enter a profession: · There was a big demand for accountants in the 1980s, and many graduates entered the profession at this time.
the type of work that someone usually does - used especially on official forms: · Please write your name, address, and occupation in the spaces below.· Part-time workers often work in low-paid occupations.
the general type of work that you do, such as buying and selling a particular type of thing: · In our business the first rule is that the customer is always right.· "What type of business are you in?'' "I run a catering company.''the newspaper/used-car/movie etc business: · The used-car business has a pretty bad reputation.
spoken use this to ask what someone's job is: · What does your husband do?· She used to work for an accounting firm, but I'm not sure what she does now.
a skilled job in which you use your hands to do things, such as building houses, making furniture, or repairing cars: · Most of the men had worked in skilled trades such as carpentry or printing.· Young men and women can learn a trade in the military.be a bricklayer/carpenter etc by trade: · His father had been a bricklayer by trade.
the type of work that you do for most of your working life, which involves several similar jobs over a long period of time: · Like his father, Tommy chose a career in the Army.· Later on in his career he became first secretary at the British Embassy in Washington.· The scandal destroyed his career as a politician.career in: · I wanted to find out more about careers in publishing.
a job such as being a nurse, priest, or teacher that you do because you have a strong feeling that you want to do it, especially because you want to help people: · Nursing is hard work and often low paid, but for many people it is a vocation.· He was quite young when he decided he had a religious vocation.
the work that you do in order to earn enough money to live on or the thing that provides the work for you to do: · Most of the people here depend on tourism for their livelihood.· Fishermen are angry about the new EC fishing regulations because they feel that their livelihood is being threatened.
the type of work or job that you do: · I meet some interesting people in my line of work.· Henson had to leave real-estate, which had been his line of business since 1969.
when people work or have jobs - used especially in official documents, news reports etc: · I have not yet signed a contract of employment.· A Japanese company plans to set up a factory in the area, so this should provide some employment for local people.be in employment (=have a job): · Are you in full-time employment, Mr Edwards?
to have a job · I've had a job since the day I left high school.· George had a well-paid job in a computer firm.have a steady job (=one that seems certain to last) · If you have a decent salary and a steady job, you can usually get a loan.
to have a job - used especially in official contexts or in writing: · To qualify for the program, at least one parent must be employed.be employed by: · Curtis was employed by a car rental agency.be employed at: · A graduate of Stanford, she is employed at Jackson, Cole, Roberts & Green, a respected law firm.
someone who is self-employed works for a business that they own or gets paid for work by various companies or people, and is not directly employed by a single company or organization: · He is a self-employed music teacher.· I've been self-employed for over 10 years.
to have a job, especially one that is for a particular period of time, or when it is difficult to keep working: · She was the first woman to hold the job of mayor.· Even men who had always been able to hold down a job found themselves unemployed.
British to have a job - use this when you are comparing someone who has a job with other people who do not have jobs: · She was the only one in the family to be in work.· It's often difficult for people who are in work to appreciate the problems of the unemployed.
a piece of music an arrangement of musical notes that has been written by someone - use this about music without words: · The CD contains two pieces performed by the Tokyo String Quartet.· It's difficult to know ahead of time whether an audience will like a new piece of music.
a short piece of music with words for singing: · That's a pretty song - where did you learn it?· The song "Yesterday" is one of the most often recorded songs in the world.· In the evenings we'd sit around the campfire and sing songs.
a piece of music - use this when you are considering the way the music is written: · Stone's composition "Idaho" became a national hit when Benny Goodman recorded it for Columbia.· Zwilich's flute concerto was nominated for Best Contemporary Classical Composition.
a piece of music, especially a long classical one - use this in written or formal contexts: · The performance began with two of Mozart's early works.· Handel's "Messiah" is one of the most majestic musical works ever written.
a piece of popular music that forms part of a longer performance: · "The show's not very good." "We can leave after this number if you want."· Nell Carter also appeared and performed a couple of upbeat numbers.
to stop working at the end of the day or during the day British · We stop work at half past three on Fridays.· They stopped work for a few minutes to consider his offer.
especially British to stop work at the end of the day: · What time do you finish work?finish (=finish work): · I don't finish until seven tonight, so I'll be late home.
spoken to stop work - use this especially to talk about a particular time that you stop work: · Is it OK if I knock off a little early tonight?· I usually knock off at about six.
informal to decide to stop working because you have done enough work, because you are very tired, or because it is late: · We realized we weren't going to get the job finished, so we decided to call it a day.· Look, we're all tired - let's call it a day.
British to stop work, put away your work equipment, and go home: · Everyone packed up and went home.· OK, guys - it's time to pack up now.
WORD SETSaesthete, nounagitprop, nounart gallery, nounartist, nounartwork, nounavant-garde, adjectivebaroque, adjectivecapture, verbceramics, nouncharacter, nounclassical, adjectiveclassicism, nouncompere, nouncontemporary, adjectiveconvention, nouncreative, adjectivecritical, adjectivecrossover, nouncubism, nouncultural, adjectiveculturally, adverbculture, nouncurator, nouncycle, noundrama, nouneisteddfod, nounepic, nouneponymous, adjectiveerotic, adjectiveerotica, nouneroticism, nounexhibit, verbexhibit, nounexhibition, nounexpress, verbexpression, nounexpressionism, nounextract, nounfictionalize, verbfigurine, nounfin de siècle, adjectiveflashback, nounformalism, nounfuturism, nounglaze, verbglaze, nounGothic, adjectivehandcrafted, adjectivehandicraft, nounhandmade, adjectivehigh priest, nounhistorical, adjectiveinterpretation, nounItalianate, adjectivelowbrow, adjectivemagnum opus, nounmarquetry, nounmasterpiece, nounmasterwork, nounmature, adjectivemedium, nounMFA, nounmiddlebrow, adjectiveminimalism, nounmotif, nounmuse, nounnarrator, nounnaturalism, nounneoclassical, adjectivenotice, nounoeuvre, nounoffering, nounopening, adjectiveopus, nounpan, verbparody, nounpastiche, nounpattern, nounpiece, nounpop art, nounportfolio, nounpostmodernism, nounprequel, nounpreview, nounproduce, verbproduction, nounrealism, nounrealistic, adjectiverehash, verbreview, nounreview, verbromantic, nounromanticism, nounroyalty, nounrubbish, nounsalon, nounscenario, nounscene, nounsensuous, adjectivesentimental, adjectivesequel, nounsequence, nounset piece, nounsetting, nounShakespearean, adjectiveshowing, nounskit, nounstory, nounstudio, nounstylistic, adjectivesurrealism, nounswansong, nounsynopsis, nountitle, nountrilogy, nountwo-dimensional, adjectiveuncut, adjectiveunexpurgated, adjectivevillain, nounwork, nounwork of art, noun
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY Meanings 1 & 3verbs the arduous task of loading all the boxes into the van The exhibition features works of art by Picasso and Matisse. Chris has occasional casual work but mostly he is unemployed. The successful applicant will be working closely with our international staff. the complete works of Shakespeare (=a book, CD etc containing everything Shakespeare wrote) Diaghilev did his great creative work in France. the definitive study of Victorian railway stations experimental studies on birds and animals Congress is working feverishly to pass the bill. Doreen had worked herself into a frenzy. She works full-time and has two kids. The success of the series enabled her to concentrate full-time on writing. Wynford was an architect of genius. What time do you get off work? How much homework are you given in a week? He’s always giving us chores to do around the house. I went to a good deal of trouble to get this ticket. To be successful in sport requires hard work and a great deal of determination. There’s a sauna where you can relax after a hard day’s skiing. Becoming a doctor never interested him. It was too much like hard work (=it would involve too much work). She has worked hard all her life. My son does most of the heavy outdoor work. I bet he’s never done an honest day’s work in his life! We usually knock off work at about twelve on Saturday. Ellen has to work late tonight. What line of business is he in? He has read many of the major works of literature. My work load has doubled since Henry left. Doctors often work long hours (=work for more time than is usual). Engineers are carrying out essential maintenance work on the main line to Cambridge. Dad’s office mates are throwing a party for him. They want a chance to do meaningful work. a working model (=one with parts which move) of a steam engine She didn’t like working nine to five. We worked in pairs for the role-play exercise. She wants to work part-time after she’s had the baby. I’m tired of working for peanuts. the pioneering work of NASA scientists The crop was sold for a pittance. a working prototype of the new car repetitive tasks like washing and ironing Major restoration work will begin in May. Jean is well enough now to consider her return to work. I started college last week. a work stoppage by government employees The two mechanisms have to work in sync. I rang my boss and arranged to take some time off. You might want to consider temporary work until you decide what you want to do. We had worked up a thirst (=done something that made us thirsty), and so we decided to stop for a beer. All this digging is thirsty work (=work that makes you want a drink). We’ve very much enjoyed working together. He worked undercover in Germany and Northern Ireland. Why do I have to do work experience? You shouldn’t get so worked up about it. The commission has set up a special working group to look at the problem. It was a great evening, and definitely worth all the hard work.COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADJECTIVE
· He started work as a trainee accountant.
(also seek work formal)· Young people come to town looking for work.
(=get a job)· It was difficult for them to find work.
· His doctor agreed he was fit enough to return to work.
ADJECTIVES/NOUN + work· In recent years part-time work has become more popular.
· Are you available for full-time work?
· She hasn’t done any paid work since she had children.
· I have a background in secretarial work.· She had done clerical work before she married.
(=work done by lawyers)· He will handle all the legal work.
(=work done with your hands)· Most of them were employed in manual work.
British English, volunteer work American English (=a job you are not paid for)· She also did voluntary work in a girls’ club.
(=the work someone does every day)· When they finished their daily work they would be too tired for much except rest.
phrases (=type of work)· I meet lots of interesting people in my line of work.
· It is important to have a pleasant work environment.
· She supported me enthusiastically in bringing in new work practices.
Meaning 7verbs· The work should be carried out without further delay.
· He was doing some work on his father’s car.
(=start work)· They set to work cutting down trees and brushwood.
· About a three adults in ten undertake voluntary work.
· Work had already started on the bridge when the error was spotted.
· Work is continuing on three major building projects.
adjectives· It’s been very hard work, but I’ve loved every moment of it.
(=very tiring)· Clearing the garden was slow, backbreaking work.
(=needing a lot of effort)· This was physically arduous work.
(=hard physical work)· The heavy work is done by the gardener.
(=work that is not physically hard)· He had been ill, but she found him some light work to do.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES· You will be entitled to sick pay in respect of any absence from work through sickness.
· Sebastian spoke with an upper-class accent.
· I sent the letter to her work address.· My business address is on my card.
(=make you have an advantage – often used when this is unexpected)· Sometimes a lack of experience can work to your advantage.
· 55 percent of the people are of working age.
the arduous task of loading all the boxes into the van (=where a particular class of people live)· She was born in a working-class area of London.
The exhibition features works of art by Picasso and Matisse. (=act according to something that may not be true)· The police seemed to be working on the assumption that he was guilty.
· I came from a very poor working-class background.
(=at which you talk about business)· She suggested we meet at 8.30 for a working breakfast.
· Work it out on a calculator if you can't do it in your head.
· You’ll have to get a builder to carry out the work.
· You’ll have to get a builder to carry out the work.
Chris has occasional casual work but mostly he is unemployed.· Changing patterns of work mean that more people are able to work from home.
· At this time most of the working class was very poor.
The successful applicant will be working closely with our international staff.· Work clothes tend to be black, blue, or grey.
· How long have you been working for your present company?
the complete works of Shakespeare (=a book, CD etc containing everything Shakespeare wrote)· A temporary compromise was found.
· An office must be able to provide safe working conditions.
· The group spent four months carrying out conservation work in the rainforest.
· Construction work on the new road is expected to take two years.
· We have 170 staff working as computer consultants to clients.
(=things made by craftsmen or women)· Craft work, such as hand-knitted items or decorated cakes, often sells well.
Diaghilev did his great creative work in France. (=have to finish something by a deadline)· We're all under pressure and working to deadlines.
the definitive study of Victorian railway stations· I haven't worked our trip out in detail yet.
(=the work of helping development in poor areas)· Further funds are required to allow the development work to continue.
(=make someone unlikely to be successful)· This system works to the disadvantage of women.
· She was feeling too tired to do any work.
· Most people prefer a quiet working environment.
· I spent over an hour trying to work out the equation.
experimental studies on birds and animals· Donna works in a shoe factory.
· I used to work on a farm when I was younger.
Congress is working feverishly to pass the bill. (=do farm work)· Most villagers work in the fields during the day.
· Chris has been working for this firm for nearly 20 years.
(=try to improve your fitness)· He's working on his fitness in preparation for the New York marathon.
Doreen had worked herself into a frenzy. She works full-time and has two kids. The success of the series enabled her to concentrate full-time on writing. Wynford was an architect of genius. What time do you get off work? How much homework are you given in a week? He’s always giving us chores to do around the house.· We are all working towards similar goals.
I went to a good deal of trouble to get this ticket. To be successful in sport requires hard work and a great deal of determination. There’s a sauna where you can relax after a hard day’s skiing. Becoming a doctor never interested him. It was too much like hard work (=it would involve too much work). She has worked hard all her life.· He urged all Americans to work in harmony to solve the nation’s problems.
My son does most of the heavy outdoor work. (=do your work at home instead of at an office)· I work at home three days a week.
I bet he’s never done an honest day’s work in his life! (=work that it took you an hour/six hours etc to do)· I did two hours’ work before breakfast.
(=continue to work hard and well)
We usually knock off work at about twelve on Saturday. Ellen has to work late tonight. What line of business is he in? He has read many of the major works of literature. My work load has doubled since Henry left. Doctors often work long hours (=work for more time than is usual). (=a lunch during which you also do business)· She was having a business lunch with a customer.
· Have you been taught to operate the machine properly?
· The machine works using solar power.
(=do magic)· What do you expect me to do? I can’t work magic!
Engineers are carrying out essential maintenance work on the main line to Cambridge. Dad’s office mates are throwing a party for him. They want a chance to do meaningful work. (=achieve something very good which no one thought was possible)· The new coach has worked miracles, and the team have won their last four games.
a working model (=one with parts which move) of a steam engine She didn’t like working nine to five. (=work without being well-known)· After years of working in obscurity, his paintings are now hanging in museums.
· Teaching is regarded as a middle-class occupation.· Working-class occupations may be divided into skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled.
· He's been working a lot of overtime.
We worked in pairs for the role-play exercise. She wants to work part-time after she’s had the baby.· Theirs is one of the most fruitful working partnerships in modern science.
I’m tired of working for peanuts.· Over 6,000 people in our community of 100,000 perform volunteer work.
· She had problems getting a work permit for the States.
the pioneering work of NASA scientists The crop was sold for a pittance. formal· Please give the address of your place of work.
(=poor people who have jobs, rather than unemployed people)· These tax-cut proposals are targeted at the working poor.
· Archaeology students are required to do a certain amount of practical work.
· A team has been working on the project for three years.
a working prototype of the new car (=a relationship appropriate for people who work together)· She’s a fine actress and we developed a great working relationship.
· The charity raised over five million pounds for relief work.
· The council has been responsible for appointing contractors to carry out this repair work.
repetitive tasks like washing and ironing· Doctor Fox received world-wide acclaim for her research work on breast cancer.
Major restoration work will begin in May. Jean is well enough now to consider her return to work.· We need more junior staff to help out with the routine work.
· They work quite long shifts.
· We had to work in shifts – four hours on and four off.
(=working shifts)· Does the job involve shift work?
(=a situation at work)· These problems often arise in work situations.
(=prepare the soil to grow plants)· They worked the soil with hoes and forks.
· He died while working as a government spy.
I started college last week. a work stoppage by government employees (also formulate a strategy formal)· We had to devise strategies for saving money.
· The Government’s economic strategy was not working.
The two mechanisms have to work in sync.· The air-conditioning system isn’t working.
(=exists and is used)· He tried to explain how the planning system operates.
(=is successful)· The public needs to see that the complaints system works.
(=is successful)· Those tactics won’t work with me anymore – I know you too well.
I rang my boss and arranged to take some time off.· You have to learn to work as a team.
You might want to consider temporary work until you decide what you want to do. We had worked up a thirst (=done something that made us thirsty), and so we decided to stop for a beer. All this digging is thirsty work (=work that makes you want a drink). We’ve very much enjoyed working together. He worked undercover in Germany and Northern Ireland.· The work is being undertaken by team of experts.
· They'd sent their daughter abroad on a student visa.
· He does voluntary work with young offenders.
Why do I have to do work experience? You shouldn’t get so worked up about it.· The working class has suffered a lot.
· The working class have suffered a lot.
The commission has set up a special working group to look at the problem. It was a great evening, and definitely worth all the hard work.· Pitts discusses the early work, giving it much wider play than it receives in any of the previous books.· While nowhere near as impressive or effective as their earlier work, this is certainly nothing to be ashamed of.· Studies of early school-to-work initiatives found that absent changes in schools, students' grades and attendance did not improve.· It was, however, the dominant theory driving some of the earlier experimental work on arousal and memory.· Piaget s system for conceptualizing intellectual development was greatly influenced by his early training and work as a biologist.· To criticise earlier work. 7.· Various investigators, also referred to in our earlier work, have put such a myth to rest.
· He especially thanked for years of hard work, and this was received with strong acclamation.· At the University of Houston, they remember her capacity for hard work and her flaming red hair.· It is quite clear that the hard work put into it by coach Gerry Murphy is beginning to pay off.· Obviously, hard work is needed-any new business will require more work rather than less.· The account produced after the events obscured the hard work, stress and frustration that made them happen.· Since success is dependent upon hard work, the amount of effort given needs to be evaluated.· I found it very hard work.· The Olympian still projects an ideal of hard work, physical stamina, mental fortitude, competition for the sake of competition.
· Here was work, paid work, weeks of it, and Ted was delighted to do it.· Both men and women must also look for paid work and many have been forced to migrate into the cities.· Having hit a bad patch, financially, I decided I must try for some paid work with my knitting machine.· Is she to give up being a housewife, put the children in a day-care centre and take paid work?· What we do not yet know is how women's changing opportunities for paid work have affected their relative risk of poverty.· The addition of paid work to the housewife's activities does not mean she is no longer a housewife.· This means that in aggregate man-hours of paid work still outnumbered woman-hours by about two to one.· As a by-product, with the experience gained they are now in a strong position to enter paid advice work.
· But where could social workers obtain skills which would qualify them to teach social work?· The best and the brightest women of the time were going into social work.· This says much about the worthwhile underlying values of social work and provides grounds for hope.· Many support activities utilized traditional social work skills and were indistinguishable from much social work practice.· Through the incorporation of these two strands of thinking Lewis believes social group work can be re-nourished.· But Hearn also has extensive social work experience, especially in the area of child care.· Within social work the quest continued for the best way to organize a service that could be responsive to community need.· Short-term social work methods: crisis intervention, task-centred and contractual approaches. 4.
NOUN· They are designed to give those not wishing to continue full-time education the chance to gain work experience, training and education.· These go beyond his two decades of work experience.· Her work experience has been various, including that of Director of an environmental research institute.· She also spent time shadowing health-care professionals and getting hands-on work experience.· Many TECs explain graphically that they have inadequate money and that employers are offering too few work experience places because of the recession.· In general, work experience historically has been the least well developed component of career academies.· Indeed, very few employers are willing to provide work experience instead of full employment.· Applicability Intensive school-to-work experiences, such as apprenticeships, are not for every student.
· Up to this point the only political significance of racism had been that it provided a divided work force for employers.· In the 19905, I believe that about half of the work force will use computer terminals each day.· Even now, sugar employs one-seventh of the work force, putting tourism in the shade.· Ideas are everything in a fragmented global marketplace, and great ideas demand a diverse work force.· Foreign manufacturers have preferred to invest in states where the work force is more skilled and the infrastructure is better.· The direct labor work force is up by 60 percent over 1985 levels.· One of the most productive, competitively priced work forces in the nation.· That manifested itself in a lack of motivation and commitment in the work force.
· But the conventional longwall work organisation fails to build these tacit skills into the work groups.· He was ordered to keep increasingly detailed records about how much each living unit and each work group produced.· In formal work groups, the structuring process is affected by the hierarchy of authority and the managerial behaviour of the boss.· The work group can influence the decision made concerning work activities and their purposes.· By this means, the work group was given autonomy, self-regulation, multi-skilled roles and a complete task to perform.· These employees are paid based upon what they produce either individually or as members of small work groups.· Extra pairs of hands for supervision of small work group?· And most ominously, it often has the effect of crippling the performance of formerly productive work groups.
VERB· The main figure in the story is Konrad Lorenz, who began his work on animal behaviour in about 1930.· Many others who have begun volunteer work for the first time say something similar.· It is not surprising that a high proportion of patients burst into tears as soon as the physiotherapist begins work.· They began their work against the Celtics at 7: 30.· I began work on the big glass on 27 July 1967, wrote Harsnet.· There was even a little time for Alvin to begin work on Ariadne for the Harkness, to be performed in Paris.· The Office for Standards in Education will begin work early in the new year for next summer's exams.· When I began work, I simply added psychotherapy to the medical treatment.
· Consideration should be given to the background of prospective clients and their motives for requiring us to carry out the work.· Since his death, his wife and children have carried on the work.· Project staff will help you to apply for the available grants and carry out practical work.· He carried out some work in the labyrinths beneath central Moscow and partly beneath the Kremlin.· They prove how fast selection can carry out its baleful work as soon as it gets the chance.· Mr Kennedy said there was no legal requirement on the council to carry out sound-proofing work or provide grants.· Since his tragic death my daughter has carried on his good work.· The Society are now seeking a skilled modeller to carry out this work and have undertaken to bear the costs involved.
· The union chiefs were urging workers at the Tyne yard to fight to complete work on three frigates being built there.· Later this year, she will complete work on her next album, to be released in March 1997.· That completes the work for this month.· In many cases, the artist wants the viewer to complete the work.· The Trust aims to complete work on all 125 miles of designated paths over the next four years.· There by himself in this ideal setting, he sat-not making a sound and never completing his work.· I had to be carted off to hospital, so I didn't manage to complete the work until the new year.
· It is characteristic of Sinclair to attempt to do the critic's work for him.· We thank you for the peace of this village and for your grace to do the work that lies ahead.· By rights, it should be called Erica, after Eric the Red, who did the work five hundred years earlier.· No enduring stars did their best work under any of his logos.· Came here to do some freelance work.· But it looks like he did his best work the day he fired for qualification.· Now his teacher needed to use this relationship to help Dan do his work.· Teams, not hierarchies, do the real work.
· But there was no suggestion that Gray had been involved in anything improper and Jefferson continued to be involved in youth work.· Here, some became involved in simple agricultural work.· Boraston was so much involved in war work that his assistant.· Even worse, only one in four wants to get more involved in pro bono work.· The sappers who had been involved in the preparation work could then go forward to see the devastation caused by the explosives.· Companies involved in public works naturally are sitting up and taking notice of Caltrans' announcement last week.· Several had written books and articles and others were involved in voluntary work.· All of this involves a lot of work, and not just for the children!
· In 1877 he published his best-known work, How to Draw a Straight Line.· The published works give one a chance to assess the audiences with whom the author attempts to share information.· At this moment, groups of people are getting together to publish their own work.· Although she has written two novels, the autobiography is her first published work.· Alternative and supplementary schedules were published for conservation work and for community architecture services.· More than half the employees of the publishing company do volunteer work through its Community Connection Program.· Basic Books published serious works on politics, public policy and philosophy.
· If you start with the harder work, those rabbits that are not killed will move into the smaller systems.· I started work at WaldChem, I took everything I could get.· The delay in starting rescue work has had one welcome effect.· Beginning public accountants usually start by assisting with work for several clients.· Just like the other doctors, it has scrubbed up and donned a protective gown before starting work in Sacramento, California.· Trial by fire Pam Drayson started her work as director of the library only three days ago.· He was too depressed to start work on the grave again.· He decided to try to see Chris while he was still free during the day before starting work.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY► at work► nice work/quick work► works► be a work in progress► all work and no play (makes Jack a dull boy)PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► bury yourself in your work/studies etc► be all in a day’s work► the devil makes/finds work for idle hands► be up to your ears in work/debt/problems etc► good works► work/sweat your guts out► learned books/works etc► be in work mode/holiday mode etc► nice work if you can get it► be a (real) piece of work► put/throw a spanner in the works► work/run/go like stink► not do a stroke (of work)► work like a Trojan► work unsocial hours
- I'd like a hot dog with ketchup, onions...the works.
- And that you learn to groom Goosedown, and feed her, and take care of her tack, the whole works.
- Dozens of palm trees are being planted at key intersections, and plans are in the works to improve street lighting.
- He was an anglophile and an enthusiast of the works of Jeremy Bentham.
- I run into the bathroom and floss deodorize brush spray the works the usual.
- Of these about 40 lived in hutted accommodation adjacent to the works, whilst the remainder lived in lodgings in the surrounding villages.
- Since that time the shop at the works receiving another coat of paint and final decoration.
- The plan to merge Hemlo and Battle Mountain Gold has been in the works for two years.
- When we come to the works of man, cellulose is still in the leading place.
- A high-school program is in the works.
- A Sprint spokeswoman declined comment, but company sources confirmed the plan is in the works.
- Another, even larger project is in the works just north of Puerto Pe asco.
- But Sassa said no time change is in the works.
- Hence the suspicion that a compromise is in the works.
- Legislation is in the works to encourage states to improve planning and prevention.
- The suit is meant to head off a legal attack against it by Apple which Quorum believes is in the works.
- "What would you like on your hotdog -- mustard, ketchup, relish?" "Give me the works."
- The school needs new computers, calculators, chairs, cooking utensils...basically, the works.
- And the works of Victor Hugo and Alexandre Dumas were seen as just adventure stories.
- Chiron has a number of new vaccine candidates in the works.
- He recognised the vigour that these imparted to the works of Rubens and Veronese.
- I found the works to be incomplete or inadequate, mainly from an orchestral point of view.
- In particular, they should give pupils the opportunity to gain some experience of the works of Shakespeare.
- The defendant contended it accrued when the works were completed, in which event the action is statute-barred.
- The plan to merge Hemlo and Battle Mountain Gold has been in the works for two years.
- They had a poison pen in the works.
- Election monitors will have their work cut out.
- So you have your work cut out for you.
- The home team has not beaten the Scarlets for some dozen matches and should still have their work cut out to win.
- They have their work cut out adapting themselves to it, and it to themselves.
- They have their work cut out for them.
- We have our work cut out for us.
- Whoever takes on the trout farm will have their work cut out.
- But she made light work of polishing off the shopping at a supermarket near her West London home.
- Carmen would have made short work of Michael too.
- Fourth placed Guisborough made short work of the opposition at Saltburn.
- Guernsey made short work of the opposition when they won the event on home soil in 1990.
- It is fair to warn anglers that thousands of crabs soon make short work of rag and lugworm.
- It made short work of our Windows performance tests, WinTach, clocking up an impressive index of over 9.3.
- The second game we pull away early and make short work of it.
- Willie Thorne made light work of the promising Nottinghamshire youngster, Anthony Hamilton, as he eased into the last 16.
- She was making hard work of plucking the goose.
- You can make hard work of an easy job if you don't know the right way to go.
- He took a beating today but he played his butt off.
- I had to give the ball up, and then I had work my butt off to get it back.
- I work my butt off for you, while that restaurant is doing worse and worse.
- I worked my butt off in basketball and stayed on the varsity-in fact, did well.
- In short, I worked my butt off.
- Meanwhile, Inspiral Carpets went in at grass roots level and worked their butts off in the clubs.
- You could have worked your butt off helping a rep and you finally got the rep doing everything right.
- Our new accounting system works like a charm.
- A slap on the hand or the behind works like a charm for one parent-child combination.
- But let me first applaud the coupling: it works like a charm.
- However, the schmaltzy parts, near the end, work like a charm.
- This time, the setup worked like a charm.
- Embroidery is very close work.
- A final recommendation of the consultants was a radical attempt to forge a closer working relationship between the board and staff members.
- Before I had been there a month my eyes began to suffer and I had to start wearing glasses for close work.
- He and Clinton have formed such a close working partnership that Kemp, as vice president, would like to emulate Gore.
- Microscopes can only be used for close work, telescopes for viewing objects from arm's length distance to infinity.
- One benefit, he said, is the closer working relationship between defense contractors and the Navy.
- Task lighting usually entails higher levels of illumination needed for reading and other close work.
- But from the start, feature animation was a collaborative effort.
- Combined with virtual reality capabilities, the team can design its own ideal collaborative work space without the constraints of physical reality.
- One of the most powerful forms of learning to which I was exposed on my course was active collaborative work.
- Since their Nobel lectures describe one collaborative effort, I suggest that we listen to them without interruption.
- The activities would demand collaborative work, role allocation and sharing.
- The early deadline gave little time for meetings and collaborative effort, or a very considered response to the new timetabling arrangements.
- The project being proposed by the Commission would put up £450 million for collaborative work in computers and automation.
- When it came time for his second album, he decided to make it a collaborative effort.
- Box sets collect music into greatest hits, anthologies, chronologies, complete collected works, best-of and worst-of packages.
- He took down a copy of Wordsworth's collected poems.
- His collected works, he said, probably fill four foot ten of shelf space.
- Its author Tom Holt began, if I remember right, by publishing his collected poems at the age of 12.
- Mr Zhivkov's 44-volume collected works has disappeared from Sofia's bookshops since he was removed.
- My collected works rendered the Horsehead Nebula, goofy space cruisers, robots, and Saturn.
- They were first printed by William Caxton in 1475; the collected works were first illustrated by William Thynne in 1532.
- Also the day-to-day work of schools and the task of assessing pupils assumed a higher importance than the development of new curriculum.
- But since the arrival of Robins, he has taken a backseat role with day-to-day business being handled by the new chairman.
- Directors were given the exclusive right to manage the day-to-day business of the company.
- In our day-to-day lives, including day-to-day scientific lives, we have little need of such confirmed hypotheses.
- It also recognises that day-to-day business and executive authority is vested in line management.
- Justices, of course, are accustomed, as part of their day-to-day work, to assessing costs of comparatively small amounts.
- The problem arises because there is nothing in our day-to-day life to provide us with sufficient exercise.
- While with the Chargers for the past two years, McNeely oversaw the day-to-day business operations.
- It takes some detective work to trace the symptom back to its cause.
- Brilliant detective work with a little luck tossed in to catch the savvy killer.
- Drawn to the subject via a footnote, McKillop did some literary detective work to uncover Deeks's story.
- Finding the missing parts has been a lucky blending of good fortune and good detective work.
- In fact tying a pollution to its source can be a tricky piece of detective work.
- It takes a bit of detective work to trace the symptom back to the cause.
- Late one night, they ran into Ken Creese, one of two detectives working the case.
- Much slow and painstaking geological detective work is needed to make correlations such as these, but the results can be very valuable.
- So it would take more years of dogged detective work by a handful of investigators to connect the dots.
- Tell Fran I'm not going to do her dirty work for her.
- Her unnecessary decision to do the dirtiest work in the place struck them as alarming.
- Applicability Intensive school-to-work experiences, such as apprenticeships, are not for every student.
- At Level One the student will contribute to the planning and arrangement of work experience.
- Her work experience has been various, including that of Director of an environmental research institute.
- In 1984 the Institute published its first work experience guidelines for the training of students.
- It would emphasize learning in the context of work-not just work experience.
- Knowledge of management principles and practices, gained through work experience and formal education, is important.
- She also spent time shadowing health-care professionals and getting hands-on work experience.
- The view that they lack work experience is contradicted by a substantial body of evidence.
- Both surveys showed that for many people poverty was a way of life even when they were in gainful employment.
- How does he survive without gainful employment?
- In each decade of the twentieth century, fewer men over 65 have been entered in the censuses as in gainful employment.
- Indeed, it has even become fashionable for women to choose dependency by repudiating ambition and gainful employment once they have children.
- It occurred to him that it might be easier to find gainful employment in Cornwall.
- Some of us actually have gainful employment.
- The potential for a recession across most regions of the world will have ramifications for the prospects of expatriates in gainful employment.
- When in low spirits, seek gainful employment.
- And I was going to school.
- Dad, I want to go to school.
- Everyone says the space program is great, he goes to work on the space program.
- His Mum went to work this afternoon.
- I was too upset to go to school.
- Keith makes himself go to work.
- Phillips should have lost his eligibility for the year while continuing to just go to school.
- When he was told he must go to school, he said he would not.
- But don't drive yourself into the ground.
- I've already explained to you how I've worked myself into the ground setting up the interview.
- I tried working myself into the ground, but I could be totally exhausted and still remember.
- Mitchell and White ran themselves into the ground and Nicky Summerbee tried everything he could to get a goal.
- They ran themselves into the ground, ran Chesterfield off the pitch, but they couldn't get another goal.
- She was making hard work of plucking the goose.
- You can make hard work of an easy job if you don't know the right way to go.
- Ahead of her, Bite the Bullet's jockey was hard at work while the horse on his outside was clearly beaten.
- Cook was making fresh cornbread rolls for breakfast and lesser mortals were hard at it with brooms and mops.
- He was hard at work on the translation of a play which had to be ready two days later.
- Not much is said, as each young person, and Bill, is hard at work at the task at hand.
- Over the road, Sylvia Brackley and daughter, Karen are hard at work on this year's crop.
- Thacker had set him a spot of overtime and he was hard at it in the mill.
- Today, all eight of the Van Andel and DeVos offspring are hard at work making this company better.
- When she was hard at work and on top of things her productivity was exceptional.
- Among them are hundreds of university journalism professors who routinely offer courses in investigative reporting at their schools.
- Categories are feature writing, investigative reporting, community service, commentary, photography, international reporting and pioneer.
- However, 11 different modes of assessment were noted, including mental, practical, calculator, project and investigative work.
- It's very easy to organise some investigative work by children on school meals provision.
- Perhaps I should take up this investigative journalism.
- Some 600 Boston University journalism students had braved a rainy Friday night in 1976 to hear a panel discussion on investigative reporting.
- The team felt it important to extend the evaluation to all investigative work.
- With ratings down, however, the show last fall refocused on investigative reporting and celebrity interviews and stopped paying for stories.
- A further disadvantage is the work involved in returning the manure to the field.
- It is also often used to pay for the preliminary work involved in making applications for civil and criminal legal aid.
- She would like to know their reaction to the work involved in taking the course. 14.
- The chief drawback to small-scale silage-making is the extra physical work involved in handling the green crop with its high water content.
- The effort involved in constructing such circles was enormous.
- The work involved in writing this summation must have been back-breaking, and certainly took years of research.
- We have to do the more general piece of work involved in clearing one more bias from our morality.
- From then on it was just a job of work to be done.
- He had an enjoyable job of work waiting for him, and asked for no more than that.
- In that sense, it is like any other job of work, or like being any parent.
- Then he would put his quill pens aside and consider an honest job of work.
- This is a two-man job of work since you need one to hold the ferret securely while the other ties the knots.
- You should treat it as a straight forward job of work and get on with it.
- But she made light work of polishing off the shopping at a supermarket near her West London home.
- It makes light work of a complex process thanks to a series of easy-to-use wizards.
- Or making light work of the Mall in London.
- Willie Thorne made light work of the promising Nottinghamshire youngster, Anthony Hamilton, as he eased into the last 16.
- Across the country, says Fitness magazine, enterprising and agile therapists are working their magic on patients while running alongside them.
- Biemiller referred the congressman to this doctor, who again worked his magic.
- But now the two men have changed places, and the boat has worked its magic.
- Charles was one such, and he invited her to Highgrove to work her magic.
- He said his name was Christmas and he had worked his magic act in theatres and royal palaces all over the world.
- Morley weaves its magic only by using a hedge fund to protect the assets of shareholders.
- Paris works its magic on me.
- Two others have medical problems that have to be corrected before he can work his magic.
- I first borrowed a bottle from work and it works like magic.
- The new layout and office furniture worked like magic.
- We're relying on Foster performing miracles out on the football field today.
- A hired hand who worked miracles and shared what little he had with those few who were less fortunate.
- And she has already been known, you tell me, to work miracles.
- Cloughie has performed miracles with limited resources at his disposal.
- Even if animosity worked miracles in bringing about good grades, would it be worth it?
- If he can work miracles in me, you have no problem.
- People actually believe he performs miracles.
- Whereas for me she works miracles.
- Why should anyone mind a person working miracles?
- Cyril and Wyatt had gone around together with that other boy, that Donald, who was a nasty piece of work.
- You'd best steer clear of him, Manderley, he's a nasty piece of work.
- Hall of Power - a range of engines and heavy machinery, most of which are in working order and operated daily.
- The locomotive was in working order at the time and negotiations proceeded which resulted in transportation to Swanage as described above.
- To this day the milling machinery is in working order.
- Two isn't multiplicity and Castelfonte never was in running order, and now they were living in hotels.
- Price's wit and sarcasm are working overtime in this production.
- He said engineers are working overtime to fix the problems.
- His brain was working overtime and he just stood there goggling.
- His brain was working overtime now.
- It looked as if his karma was working overtime.
- Meanwhile, aluminum manufacturers were working overtime to supply the armament industry.
- Soon after I left them, they were working overtime to fulfil a big order, when there was a breakdown.
- Their local maternity unit was working overtime.
- Then he announced gleefully that light bulb orders had jumped, suggesting that factories were working overtime.
- And taking Pride in their work ... behind the scenes of a top drama.
- He takes pride in his appearance, setting a high standard to exemplify his healthy leadership style.
- I take pride in my work-particularly my work as a health educator.
- In fact, a set of beautifully manicured nails is a sign of a woman who takes pride in her appearance.
- Muriel took pride in their appearance and tried to forget Stephen's late night and Lily's missing days.
- The croft cottage was small, only two rooms, but she took pride in her work.
- You have to take pride in your work.
- Carmen would have made short work of Michael too.
- Fourth placed Guisborough made short work of the opposition at Saltburn.
- Guernsey made short work of the opposition when they won the event on home soil in 1990.
- He made short work of the remainder of his lunch, pushed his chair from the table, and stood up.
- It is fair to warn anglers that thousands of crabs soon make short work of rag and lugworm.
- It made short work of our Windows performance tests, WinTach, clocking up an impressive index of over 9.3.
- The second game we pull away early and make short work of it.
- These cannibalistic tadpoles make short work of one of their siblings.
- A steady income stream is required to meet the costs of the syndicated lending department.
- And we receive a steady income from interest on Third World debts.
- He appears to have given up steady work.
- I wish he had taken up some steady work.
- Maybe you are heading toward retirement and therefore need investments that can provide you with a steady income.
- Sethe was laughing; he had a promise of steady work, 124 was cleared up from spirits.
- She chooses whatever is available, probably a slightly older man with no more money but a steady job.
- The only ones with a steady income were teachers, storekeepers and local officials.
- He was rising in the world, a celebrated hijacker, and Charlie was a working stiff with money problems.
- Instead of working stiffs, we get craftsmen.
- My dad was a poor working stiff.
- They're ordinary working stiffs, doing their job.
- This was my first residence as a working stiff.
- Elections are invaluable, however, for providing the people with a peaceful way of throwing politicians out of office.
- Naturally, stock market crashes and recessions end up tossing businesses into bankruptcy court and throwing people out of work.
- Well, O. K. But throw him out of office in a rank-and-file election?
- But his parents are faced with a desperate race against time to raise the money necessary for his treatment.
- For the cartoonists, it's a daily battle against time, to create work that captures the imagination.
- However, with the contract negotiations starting, Lipton and others know that they are fighting a battle against time.
- It is a race against time.
- It looks as if my whole life is a race against time.
- Now it is a race against time to rebuild it before high spring ties later this month.
- The picture which became the cover shot, of the Rollright Stones, was a particular race against time.
- They face a race against time as fears grow over the health of the whales and the possibility of their becoming beached.
- As usual, she looked a treat.
- Don't he look a treat!
- I bet it works a treat.
- I must say, Gwen, your garden looks a treat.
- I repeated a few times, and it worked a treat - on a window as well.
- It's another first-rate conversion that works a treat on the Game Gear.
- Much funnier than Tarzan or Hercules, this works a treat because the hero, Emperor Kuzco, is an anti-hero.
- A whole range of behaviour is subsumed under the umbrella of bureaucratic self-interest.
- Finally, war served to bring all members of a society, soldier and civilian, under the umbrella of national consciousness.
- Governments also use the more industrially orientated labs under the umbrella of the Fraunhofer society.
- A larger number still provide a wide range of formal and informal voluntary services.
- A recent Gallup poll found that 98m adults are involved in voluntary service, a 23% increase in two years.
- An alternative to clubs and classes is voluntary work.
- But people without a job who have found fulfilling voluntary work or an absorbing hobby also score highly.
- Morley took up her evenings but daytime was given to voluntary work.
- Several had written books and articles and others were involved in voluntary work.
- Use the expertise and facilities of your local authorities and voluntary services for practical help, advice and social activities.
- We have a great tradition of voluntary services and charitable giving.
- Environmentalists have warned that dioxins accumulate in fat and milk and will work their way through the food chain.
- He's probably smoking his way through your deposit.
- He had even tried starting at page 1 and working his way through to the end.
- He worked his way through a bag of sandwiches and four cans of Pepsi.
- He worked his way through college, performing menial tasks in exchange for reduced tuition.
- Tom, like most of the others, will need lots of reinforcement as he works his way through the change.
- We are attempting to work our way through all these questions.
- You could sense the passage of time working its way through the foundation.
- A long weekend away from work will do wonders for your peace of mind.
- A very little bit of sugar works wonders for dishes that are based on sour tastes.
- And the visit of a white lady from afar will do wonders for his reputation!
- Failing that, lectures don't seem to work but subtle, unspoken signs can work wonders.
- It does wonders for the individual, and it brings families together.
- Special teaching and therapy, plenty of encouragement and stimulation can work wonders.
- This will work wonders in terms of future sales.
- Time also has worked wonders, pruning many of the bad investigative reporters and retaining many of the good ones.
WORD FAMILYnounworkworkaholicworkerworkingworkingsadjectiveworkable ≠ unworkableoverworkedworkingverbworkrework
1job [uncountable] a job or activity that you do regularly, especially in order to earn money: There isn’t a lot of work at this time of the year. He’s been out of work (=without a job) for two years. More people are in work (=have a job) than ten years ago.before/after work (=before a day of work or at the end of a day of work) Do you want to go for a drink after work?► see thesaurus at jobGRAMMAR: Comparisonwork• In this meaning, work is always an uncountable noun.• You say: · It may be hard for older people to find work. ✗Don’t say: find a workjob• Job is a countable noun.• You say: · I applied for a job as a reporter. ✗Don’t say: I applied for a work.• You say: · Her first job was in London. ✗Don’t say: Her first work was in London.2place [uncountable] a place where you do your job, which is not your home: I had an accident on the way to work. He left work at the usual time. I went out with the girls from work last night.at work Dad’s at work right now.3duties [uncountable] the duties and activities that are part of your job: A large part of the work we do involves using computers. He starts work at 4 am. He’s started a business doing gardening and roofing work.4result [uncountable] something that you produce as a result of doing your job or doing an activity: Send a résumé and examples of your work. The building is the work of architect Rafael Moneo. The teacher should make sure that each child has a piece of work displayed on the wall. The standard of work has declined.5papers etc [uncountable] the papers and other materials you need for doing work: Can you move some of your work off the kitchen table? I often have to take work home with me.6book/painting/music [countable] something such as a painting, play, piece of music etc that is produced by a painter, writer, or musician: the Collected Works of Shakespeare It is another accomplished work by the artist. → work of art► see thesaurus at music7activity [uncountable] when you use physical or mental effort in order to achieve somethingwork on
Work will start next month on a new swimming pool in the centre of the city. Looking after children can be hard work.carry out/do work You should not allow unqualified people to carry out work on your house.set to work/get down to work (=start work) He set to work immediately.8study [uncountable] study or research, especially for a particular purposecarry out/do work The centre carries out work to monitor trends in housing management. He did his postgraduate work in Sociology.9at work a)doing your job or a particular activity: He spent most of his time watching the fishermen at work. b)having a particular influence or effect: Volcanoes display some of nature’s most powerful forces at work.10the (whole) works spoken used after mentioning several things, to emphasize that someone or something has everything you can think of: The hotel had everything – sauna, swimming pool, the works.11nice work/quick work spoken used to praise someone for doing something well or quickly: That was quick work!12something is in the works/pipeline informal used to say that something is being planned or developed: Upgrades to the existing software are in the works.13works a)[plural] activities involved in building or repairing things such as roads, bridges etcengineering works/irrigation works/roadworks the official in charge of the engineering works → public works b)[countable] (plural works) a building or group of buildings in which goods are produced in large quantities or an industrial process happensironworks/gasworks/cement etc works The brick works closed last year.14the works the moving parts of a machine SYN mechanism15operation [uncountable] an operation to make you look younger or more attractive SYN cosmetic surgery: All these celebrities have had work done.16have your work cut out (for you) informal used to say that it will be very difficult to do something: The team will have their work cut out if they are to win the competition.17make short/light work of something to do something very quickly and easily: A microwave oven can make light work of the cooking.18make heavy/hard work of something to do something with difficulty: They made hard work of what should have been an easy game.19be a work in progress to not be finished or perfect yet: The garden is still very much a work in progress.20all work and no play (makes Jack a dull boy) used to say that you should not spend all your time working, but should spend some of your time relaxing21force [uncountable] technical force multiplied by distance → be all in a day’s work at day(21), → do somebody’s dirty work at dirty1(8), → a nasty piece of work at nasty(7), → nice work if you can get it at nice(12)COLLOCATIONS– Meanings 1 & 3verbsstart work· He started work as a trainee accountant.look for work (also seek work formal)· Young people come to town looking for work.find work (=get a job)· It was difficult for them to find work.return to work/go back to work· His doctor agreed he was fit enough to return to work.ADJECTIVES/NOUN + workpart-time work· In recent years part-time work has become more popular.full-time work· Are you available for full-time work?paid work· She hasn’t done any paid work since she had children.secretarial/clerical/office work· I have a background in secretarial work.· She had done clerical work before she married.legal work (=work done by lawyers)· He will handle all the legal work.manual work (=work done with your hands)· Most of them were employed in manual work.voluntary work British English, volunteer work American English (=a job you are not paid for)· She also did voluntary work in a girls’ club.somebody’s daily work (=the work someone does every day)· When they finished their daily work they would be too tired for much except rest.phrasessomebody’s line of work (=type of work)· I meet lots of interesting people in my line of work.the work environment· It is important to have a pleasant work environment.work practices· She supported me enthusiastically in bringing in new work practices.COLLOCATIONS– Meaning 7verbscarry out work· The work should be carried out without further delay.do work· He was doing some work on his father’s car.set to/get to/get down to work (=start work)· They set to work cutting down trees and brushwood.undertake work· About a three adults in ten undertake voluntary work.work starts/begins· Work had already started on the bridge when the error was spotted.work continues· Work is continuing on three major building projects.adjectiveshard· It’s been very hard work, but I’ve loved every moment of it.backbreaking (=very tiring)· Clearing the garden was slow, backbreaking work.arduous (=needing a lot of effort)· This was physically arduous work.heavy work (=hard physical work)· The heavy work is done by the gardener.light work (=work that is not physically hard)· He had been ill, but she found him some light work to do.