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

It was announced in September 2025 that a reboot of the series starring a whole new batch of lifeguards was in the works. — Lori A Bashian , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 24 Sep. 2026

So, does this mean a street-legal Defender pickup is in the works? — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 23 Sep. 2026

To make matters worse, a second inflationary shock could be in the works, The Wall Street Journal’s chief economics commentator warned, which means interest rates could remain high for longer than expected. — Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 23 Sep. 2026

According to the franchise’s Facebook profile, a location in Harrisonville is also in the works, with more planned for the Kansas City area. — Noelle Alviz-Gransee, Kansas City Star, 23 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