whole works

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

In “The Hiding Place,” we see Corrie distracted by life’s gears, the springs, the myriad things that might throw the whole works off.

From Washington Times • Aug. 24, 2023

Please, however, be generous with the dill, which brightens up the whole works.

From Salon • Jun. 16, 2022

Writing against the grain of one’s existing beliefs or instincts or knowledge often causes a sudden surge in energy that can turn out to reframe and inform and charge whole works with surprising new power.

From The Guardian • Aug. 18, 2018

"I wouldn't want my worst enemy to go through what I've been through, being torn from job, family, kids, the whole works," he said, and his sister Ameenah added, "That's right."

From Seattle Times • Feb. 14, 2012

She put the whole works in the toe of a stocking, pushed the wad into a rubber overshoe, and stood it with its fellow in the back of her closet.

From "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck