Work around
2 meanings · select one to explore
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Meaning 1 of 3
Definition
To find a way to deal with an obstacle
Example sentence
The team had to work around strict budget cuts to finish the project.
Real video usage
Three clips showing this meaning in natural speech.
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Common collocations
Natural word pairings to memorize.
Common pattern: work around + obstacle (noun)
work around the schedule
work around the problem
work around the construction
work around the issue
work around it
Separable usage
Can the object split the verb? Compare correct vs incorrect.
She worked around her busy schedule to make it happen. ✅ (Correct)
She worked her busy schedule around to make it happen. ❌ (Incorrect — inseparable, always stays together)