work over
The phrase "work over" has versatile meanings, ranging from revising something to subjecting someone to harsh treatment.
Definition
B2General
(informal)To revise or rework something thoroughly to improve it.
Example
- She needs to work over her presentation to make it more engaging.
- The artist decided to work over the painting to add more details.
C1Slang
(slang)To physically attack someone severely.
Example
- The gang worked him over until he gave them the information.
- They threatened to work him over if he didn't comply.
B2General
(informal)To examine or analyze something thoroughly.
Example
- The accountant worked over the financial statements to find any errors.
- She worked over the data to ensure its accuracy.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "work over":
work onwork inwork throughdo overwork aroundwork offwork itgo overhave overgoing overlook overread overhave work doneoutside workget work donework awayput overdo a lot of workdouble overmake overwork outwork upoffice workwalk overout of workgo to workat workrun overturn overget overtalk overoutside jobhot workhard workthrow overgive overwork the oracleroll overset to worktake overput to workget over onput one overstep overworking part