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work to

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work someone or something to someone or something

to struggle to manipulate someone or something to someone or something. The quarterback worked the ball to the fullback so that the opposition didn't know what was going on. The rescuers worked the trapped child to the top of the tunnel.

See also: work

work to

v.

1. To follow some plan or schedule: They worked to a timetable.

2. To cause something or someone to reach some level through repeated, continuous, or applied effort: The rock singer worked the audience to a frenzy.

3. To reach some level through repeated, continuous, or applied effort: The baseball team worked to a three-run lead.

See also: work