in the works

phrase

: in process of preparation, development, or completion

The director's new movie is already in the works.

Plans are in the works for building three new schools in the area.

Examples of in the works in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In March, Primary Wave—the independent publisher whose catalogs include Prince, Bob Marley, and Britney Spears—invested in the company; a Tokyo listing is in the works. — Angelica Ang, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026

Others note that a slate of mega-casinos are in the works in the New York City area — one in the Bronx and two in Queens — and influential backers are averse to more competition. — Jason Motlagh, Rolling Stone, 22 Oct. 2026

Wilson said this project has been in the works with his development group since the 1990s, before Elk Grove incorporated into a city and before the rural plan was developed. — Camryn Dadey, Sacbee.com, 22 Oct. 2026

Ready or not, a Glee reboot is in the works at Disney+ and Hulu, with Lea Michele set to return. — Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair, 22 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for in the works

• ironworks
• masterworks
• waterworks
• artworks
• breastworks
• brickworks
• earthworks
• fireworks
• frameworks
• gasworks
• glassworks
• headworks