work out

verb13

1. •
   To calculate.

   • Can you work out 250 × 12 in your head for me?
   • Can you work out how to get to the university by car?
2. •
   To make sense of.

   • I can't work these instructions out.
3. •
   To decide.

   • I can't work out if I like him or not.
4. •
   To exercise, especially by lifting weights.

   • John won't be here for a while because he's working out.
   • Wow, you're looking good! Do you work out?
5. •
   To strengthen a part of one’s body by exercise.

   • Hot, worked-out body and a creative mind possessed by this hunky, handsome, married guy. — 1990
6. •
   To conclude with the correct solution.

   • These figures just don't work out.
7. •
   To succeed; to result in a satisfactory situation.

   • Are you still seeing John? – No, it didn't work out.
8. •
   To resolve; to find a solution for.

   • They managed to work out their differences.
9. •
   To smooth or perfect.

   • This is a beta version; we're still working out the kinks.
10. •
    To develop or devise in detail; to elaborate.
11. •
    To bring about or cause to happen by work or effort.

    • I think we can work out a compromise.
12. •
    To remove all the mineral that can be profitably exploited.

    • The gravel pit had been worked out.
13. •
    (US) To earn a wage working away from one's farm.

    • The two Russians made good farmhands, and in summer they worked out together. — 1918