# work over

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/work-over
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To physically attack in order to cause injury.

## Examples

- The gang threatened to work him over if he did not pay.
- The detective suspected the victim had been worked over by someone looking for information.
- After the witness refused to stay silent, the thugs worked him over in the alleyway to ensure his future cooperation.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.