work around

work around (someone or something)

To manage or be forced to accomplish or achieve something in spite of or while avoiding some problematic person or thing. We've come to the conclusion that we just have to work around our boss's bad advice if we ever want to get anything done in the office. The main problem with having a home office is having to work around my rambunctious young children. It's not ideal, but we'll find a way to work around your absence next week.
See also: around, work
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

work around someone or something

to manage to do one's work while avoiding someone or something. He is being a problem, but he will have to leave pretty soon. You'II just have to work around him for now. You have to work around the piano. It is too heavy to move.
See also: around, work
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

work around

v.
1. To wrap or pass something around something by repeated, continuous, or applied effort: The knitter worked some decorative stitching around the edge of the sleeve.
2. To achieve a goal in such a way as to avoid some difficulty: Can we work around the problem, or do we have to solve it?
See also: around, work
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • a thorn in (one's) flesh
  • a fine how do you do
  • (be) careful what you wish for(, (because) you just might get it)
  • wish away
  • be on the wrong end of (something)
  • on the wrong end of (something)
  • on the wrong end of something
  • better left unsaid
  • in the wrong place at the wrong time
  • a cloud on the horizon
References in periodicals archive
He knew it was different because they are familiar with the materials they work around. The guys are a wealth of information for me out here," Loorya said.
Archeologists digging up past in preparation for future boom
Go with the Flow is an organically inspired new carpet collection from Milliken with designed-in flexibility to work around the contours of any space with comfort and ease.
Specifier's information
'I wondered what had happened to my own humanity that I could work around the world and neglect my own backyard.
Dealing with denial: Jessie Sutherland tells Paul Williams about the life-threatening experiences which brought her home in more ways than one
At times one was blinded by sudden spotlights in the darkness of the exhibition halls, and as a consequence saw all the work around as a "negative." Or the black plastic curtains would cut an image in half and confuse one's perception.
IX Baltic Triennial of International Art: Contemporary Art Centre
The rockers are helping fans find ways to work around pointless campaigns to keep their music out of the formats listeners want.
Balance sheet
Women do more than pounds 17,400 worth of unpaid work around the home each year, new research shows.
pounds 17,400 for unpaid work by women
We looked at all possibilities to work around things, but there is one area where there is standing water.
Newcastle off
Overall, I believe I have been successful in this early attempt to broaden my Baptist horizons, and I look forward to learning more about other Baptist denominations and other Baptist work around the world.
Broadening my knowledge of the Baptist community
"There were barriers, but if you found a way to work around them and to use your abilities to the fullest, you could be recognized for your accomplishments."
Operations Center employee selected as SDDC outstanding Hispanic civilian
To be able to move work around, balance workflow, and monitor that we are accurately and appropriately responding is a must.
'Nothing has impacted this company as much as ImageRight.' (Advertisement)
CNO emphasized that Naval Aviation has excelled because of its focus on the growth and development of its Sailors: "We grow our perspective because of the people we get to work around, the people who teach us, the people we came up with, the people who shape our character and our development.
Naval Aviation critical to war on terrorism
"We will work around school and performance schedules," says McCoy.
SFB stretches out. (News)
He usually will start with one circle at the LOS and work around the perimeter until the defense has hit all seven circles in order.
Team Fly: a circle drill that creates a pursuit mentality. (Football)
Marion Moses, public health and environmental medicine specialist and founder of the Pesticide Education Center in San Francisco, says methyl bromide, which is still used widely in agriculture, has been linked to serious health problems among those who work around it, including migrant farm workers.
No Tenting Tonight
"Children in Mexico work around pesticides that have been banned in the U.S.
LOST CHILDHOODS