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

The tariffs on semiconductors have been in the works for some time, but the administration hasn’t discussed what is being considered publicly. — Samantha Subin,cj Haddad,kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2026

Rassvet had been in the works for years, but the timing of the first Rassvet launch the following month offered Russian military commanders hope of soon regaining access to ubiquitous satellite broadband through a domestic network. — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 2 Sep. 2026

Alex Gibney’s nearly four-hour documentary about the world’s richest man has been in the works for almost four years. — ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026

In 2024, Deadline reported that a sequel was in the works with the original cast returning. — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 30 Aug. 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