work as (something)
1. To occupy some role or profession as a job. I actually loved working as a mailman—I get to meet lots of different people all around the city. I worked as a computer programmer when I got out of college before pivoting into video game design.
2. To have or achieve the same purpose or function as something else. The sauce I made for the pasta works equally well as a salad dressing, too. A: "I really don't have any use for these blank CDs anymore. What should I do with them?" B: "Well, they'll work as coasters for your drinks at the very least."
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
work as something
to work in the capacity of something. I worked as a waiter for a year when I was in college. I will work as a stockbroker for a while, and then move on to something else.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
work as
v.1. To serve the purpose of something: The pegs on the wall work as coat hangers.
2. To do the work associated with someone or something: At night, I work as a waiter.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs. Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.