ENGLISH
REFERENCE

work the room

idiom
Meaning

To interact enthusiastically with the attendees at an event, by moving among them, greeting them, and engaging them in conversation.


Examples
SIMPLE

The politician knows how to work the room at every party.

CONTEXTUAL

At the networking event, she made sure to work the room and meet as many potential clients as possible.

COMPLEX

The seasoned diplomat moved through the crowded gala with ease, expertly working the room to build support for the new trade agreement.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    assume room temperature

    To die; to be killed.

  2. 02

    baby elephant in the room

    An obvious but mostly inconsequential issue.

  3. 03

    busy work

    Work or activity performed with the intention or result of occupying time, and not necessarily to accomplish something productive; routine work of low priority undertaken for the sake of avoiding idleness.

  4. 04

    close enough for government work

    Adequate; acceptable as government work, imperfect but not worth the time nor effort of improving.

  5. 05

    crazy enough to work

    Acknowledging that an idea, plan, or strategy seems foolish, implausible, or risky, yet might succeed precisely because of its unconventional or unexpected nature.

  6. 06

    detective work

    investigative research

  7. 07

    dirty work

    One or more unpleasant tasks, assignments, or employment duties, especially those of a disreputable or illicit nature.

  8. 08

    do the work

    To take part in social justice activism; to fight against racism, oppression, etc.

Last updated April 17, 2026