PhrasesHub

working themselves out

    Definitions

      • resolve on its own
        Refers to a situation or problem that will resolve itself without any intervention

      • become successful
        Describes a person or a project that is gradually achieving success through hard work and perseverance

      • exhaust oneself
        Indicates that someone is putting in a lot of effort and energy into something, often to the point of exhaustion

    Examples of working themselves out

    • Sarah has been working herself out at the gym every day for the past month. She's lost 10 pounds and her muscles are much more toned.

      The idiom "working themselves out" refers to someone actively trying to improve their physical strength or endurance through exercise, training, or other physical activities. In this example, Sarah is using exercise to improve her physical health and appearance.

    • The new manager has been working himself out on the job, learning the ropes and gaining valuable experience.

      In this example, the idiom "working himself out" takes on a more figurative meaning. It refers to someone learning and growing in a new job or position by immersing themselves in the work and learning from experience.

    • Tom's really working himself out in the kitchen these days, trying out new recipes and perfecting his cooking skills.

      Here, the idiom "working himself out" refers to someone improving their skills or abilities in a particular area, such as cooking in this example. The phrase "working oneself out" is commonly used in fitness and athletics contexts, but can be applied to any area where someone is trying to improve themselves.

    • Mark's been working himself out of his comfort zone lately, taking on more challenging projects and pushing himself to new heights.

      This example highlights the flexible nature of idiomatic expressions, as "working oneself out" is being used figuratively to denote someone moving out of their comfort zone and pushing themselves towards new experiences and opportunities. The phrase "working oneself out" can be applied to any situation where someone is trying to grow, learn, or improve beyond their current capacity.

    • The new gym equipment had a "working yourself out" effect on some of the members. They couldn't resist trying out every machine and pushing themselves to their limits.

      This idiom is used to describe the way people become enthusiastic about a new activity or experience and throw themselves into it with great energy and commitment. In this case, the gym equipment has inspired the members to work out intensively and get the most out of their exercise routine.

    • The writer's ideas seemed to be "working themselves out" on the page. Her first draft was dense with detail and multiple perspectives, but as she revised, the text began to take shape and clarify.

      This usage of the idiom conveys the idea that an author's writing process involves a kind of mental exercise, as she works through her ideas and shapes them into a coherent and effective text. The expression suggests that the writer is putting a lot of effort into the task and achieving a clearer vision.

    • The chef's passion for cooking started to "work herself out" on the menu. She began to experiment with bold flavors and unusual ingredients, pushing the boundaries of traditional cuisine.

      Here, the idiom is used to illustrate the creative process of a chef, who is developing a distinctive style of cooking and exploring new directions in her work. The expression implies that the chef is putting in a lot of energy and imagination into this process, and that the results are exciting and innovative.

    • The advertising campaign was "working itself out" in the marketplace. It generated a huge buzz and caught the public's attention, leading to a surge in sales.

      This use of the idiom suggests that the advertising campaign has been successful and is achieving its intended effect on the audience. The expression implies that the campaign is dynamic and engaging, and that it is having a strong impact on consumer behavior.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "working themselves out" can be used to describe the resolution of a situation without any intervention, the gradual success of a person or project, or the exertion of a great deal of effort.

    Origin of "working themselves out"

    The origin of the idiom "working themselves out" can be traced back to the concept of natural processes and the idea that certain things will resolve themselves over time. The use of "working" implies a gradual and ongoing effort, while "themselves out" suggests a natural or automatic resolution. This idiom may have originated from the observation of how certain problems or situations tend to resolve without direct intervention, simply by allowing time and natural processes to take their course.

    In the context of becoming successful, the idiom may have originated from the idea of working diligently towards a goal or objective, and eventually achieving success through consistent effort and determination. The concept of "working" oneself out could have evolved from this notion, indicating the gradual progress and eventual accomplishment of a person or project.

    Overall, the idiom "working themselves out" encompasses the ideas of natural resolution, gradual success, and persistent effort, reflecting the various ways in which the phrase can be used in different contexts.