work (one's) way into (something or some place)
work (one's) way into (something or some place)
1. To twist or contort one's body in order to fit into some snug place or thing. We had to work our way into the narrow crevice to pass through to the other side. I worked my way into the crawlspace so I could access the electrical wiring.
2. To do the work required to enter into a particular role, job, profession, industry, etc. I decided to change my degree to computer programming so I Could eventually work my way into the video game industry. She's trying to work her way into a management position.
See also: way, work
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
work
(one's way) into something1. . to get into something tight or small gradually and with effort. He worked himself into the dark corner and hid there for a while. The mouse worked into the crack and got stuck.
2. . to get more deeply involved in something gradually. I don't quite understand my job. I'll work my way into it gradually. Fred worked into the daily routine gradually.
work
(one's way) through something1. . Lit. to work to earn money to pay the bills while one is in college, medical school, law school, etc. I worked my way through college as a waiter.
2. . Fig. to progress through something complicated. I spent hours working my way through the tax forms. I worked through the forms very slowly.
3. . Fig. to struggle through an emotional trauma. When she had finally worked through her grief, she was able to function normally again. Larry worked through the pain.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
- wiggle (one's) way out (of something)
- wiggle out
- wiggle out (of something)
- wiggle out of
- wiggle out of something
- wriggle (one's) way out (of something)
- wriggle out
- wriggle out (of something)
- scowl
- scowl at (someone or something)