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

This full-circle debut is a bit of a Bali redo for Regent, and a very intentionally planned one at that, having been in the works since 2009, when the owner (who also owns two Holiday Inn Resorts on the island) purchased the land. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Oct. 2026

The post quickly prompted fans to wonder whether something was in the works. — Kansas City Star, 1 Oct. 2026

Adidas has not yet said if the new sneaker worn by Williams is in fact the Virginia Adistar Jellyfish V2, but the early speculation is supported by the fact that a Jellyfish sequel has been reported to be in the works. — Riley Jones, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2026

Amid its success, The Hollywood Reporter reported on Monday that a theatrical rerelease featuring new footage is in the works from Sony Pictures. — Mckinley Franklin, HollywoodReporter, 30 Sep. 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