From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englishwork on somebody/something phrasal verb1 WORK/DO WORKto spend time working in order to produce or repair something He has spent the last two years working on a book about childcare. Every weekend you see him working on his car.2 to try very hard to improve or achieve something A trainer has been brought in to work on her fitness.work on doing something We need to work on ensuring that the children feel safe and confident.3 PERSUADEto try continuously to influence someone or persuade them to do something You leave him to me. I’ll work on him. → work→ See Verb table
Examples from the Corpus
work on • I think Carolyn was working on a big indictment that month.• Last night Mr Brown was working on the final details of his £4billion giveaway.work on doing something• But he was under stress - because he was working on his own.• Five mornings a week she worked on campus, mastering the intricacies of various software programs.• Having been rushed to his desk, he listened to the problem and started working on his computer.• I think Carolyn was working on a big indictment that month.• In working on the hide alone there are nine positions, at eight different rates of pay.• Last night Mr Brown was working on the final details of his £4billion giveaway.• Leave each side to dry thoroughly before you start working on the next one.• What side of the border you live or work on often is nothing more than a matter of individual circumstance. 