the working parts or mechanism (of a watch, clock, etc.)
2. US, Informal
a.
all possible accessories, extras, etc.
b.
everything that can be included
: usually the whole works
See full dictionary entry for work
the works
or the whole works
said after mentioning a number of things, to mean many other things of the same kind
Amazing place he's got there – squash courts, swimming pool, jacuzzi, the works.
Examples of 'the works' in a sentence
the works
The clipping was about an exhibition of the works of Tamar Hale.
Adams, N I.O.U. - SOMEONE HAS TO PAY (2002)
The high point of English cuisine: beef, Yorkshire pudding, horseradish sauce, the works.
Taylor, Andy TOY SHOP (2002)
All related terms of 'the works'
in the works
If something is in the works , it has already been planned or begun.
get the works
to be the victim of extreme measures
shoot the works
to risk everything on one chance or play
spanner in the works
→ spanner (sense 2 )
give someone the works
to murder someone
throw a spanner in the works
to cause problems which prevent something from happening in the way that it was planned . The usual American expression is throw a wrench into the works .
throw a wrench into the works
to cause problems which prevent something from happening in the way that it was planned . The British expression is throw a spanner in the works .
to throw a spanner in the works
If someone throws a spanner in the works , they prevent something happening smoothly in the way that it was planned, by causing a problem or difficulty .