work over

To attack someone and hit them repeatedly, causing injury.

• They worked him over badly.
• Two men worked the shopkeeper over and stole his money.
• She needed hospital treatment after being worked over.

How to use it: work someone over (The gang worked him over behind the shop.)

Similar words: beat up, batter

Common phrases: work someone over, work over someone

To improve an early version of something by checking and changing it carefully.

• We worked over the first draft.
• She is working the design over before showing it to clients.
• Could you work these estimates over once more?

How to use it: work something over (I need to work these figures over before the meeting.)

Similar words: revise, rework, refine

Common phrases: work over a draft, work over something

To treat someone harshly by questioning, scolding, or physically attacking them.

• The detectives worked him over with questions.
• Our coach worked us over after the terrible match.
• The interview panel worked her over for nearly an hour.

How to use it: work someone over about something (The investigators worked him over about the missing money.)

Similar words: give a hard time, grill

Common phrases: work someone over, work over someone