1 C1 idiomatic informal
To attack someone physically in a thorough and sustained manner.
"The gang members worked him over in the alley and left him unable to walk."
separable
work over
C1 informal separable transitive
To attack someone physically in a sustained way; or to examine, revise, or treat something very thoroughly.
In plain English
To beat someone up thoroughly; or to go through something very carefully and make changes.
What does "work over" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 neutral
To examine, revise, or work through something very carefully and thoroughly.
"The editor really worked the script over before the final version was approved."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To work 'over' something/someone — going over every part of it.
Actually means
To beat someone up thoroughly; or to go through something very carefully and make changes.
Usage tip
Has two distinct registers: the violent sense ('worked over by thugs') is informal and appears in crime fiction, journalism, and film. The thorough-revision sense ('the editor worked the manuscript over') is more neutral. The violent sense may be too strong for casual use and learners should be aware of the connotations.
Words that pair with "work over"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
editor thugs manuscript draft victim proposal
How to conjugate "work over"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
work over
I/you/we/they
3rd person
works over
he/she/it
Past simple
worked over
yesterday
Past participle
worked over
have + pp
-ing form
working over
continuous
Hear "work over" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "work over" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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