work over

English

Verb

to work over (third-person singular simple present works over, present participle working over, simple past and past participle worked over)

1. (transitive) To improve a prototype, or first draft.

   The estimated figures are not bad, but somebody will have to work them over.

2. (transitive, slang) To physically attack in order to cause injury.

   He'll talk, once we work him over.

Synonyms

• (improve): polish, rework
• (physically attack): beat up

Anagrams

• overwork