From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englishwork on the principle/assumption/basis etc thatwork on the principle/assumption/basis etc thatto base ideas, plans etc on a particular fact that you think is true We’re working on the assumption that the conference will take place in Canada, as planned. → work
Examples from the Corpus
work on the principle/assumption/basis etc that• Gamekeepers worked on the principle that any other animals that preyed on pheasants must be ruthlessly eliminated.• When a crime is reported to the police they do not work on the assumption that anyone could have done it.• It works on the assumption that each side is willing to move from its starting point during the negotiations.• The therapy works on the principle that like cures like.• They work on the principle that most people pay up if they're pestered for long enough.• Politicians seem to work on the assumption that the early bird catches the voter.• These devices work on the principle that the oscillating frequency of a crystal under an applied voltage changes with crystal mass.• It works on the principle that the pursuer will not be able to change direction as efficiently as the prey. 