Fig. being prepared; being planned; being done. There are some new laws in the works that will affect all of us.I have some ideas in the works that you might be interested in.
being developed or scheduled to happen in the future Plans are in the works to improve reporting of HIV and AIDS cases.There are rumors that big salary increases are in the works.
In preparation, under development. For example, The agent said there was a movie deal in the works, or He assured her that a follow-up campaign was in the works. [Second half of 1900s] Also see in the pipeline.