The phrase "works into lather" means to create foam or suds, usually when washing something. The IPA phonetic transcription for this phrase is /wɜːks ˈɪntu ˈlæðər/. The "w" sound represents the initial consonant in "works," followed by a long "u" sound. The vowel sound in "into" is pronounced as "ɪn" and the "l" in "lather" is silent. The final syllable is pronounced with a short "a" sound followed by a "ð" sound, represented by the IPA symbol for voiced "th."
"Works into lather" is a phrase commonly used to describe the process of creating foam or froth using a soapy substance such as soap or shampoo. The term is often associated with personal hygiene products used for cleansing purposes.
When a soap or shampoo is said to "work into lather," it means that the product has been effectively transformed into a bubbly foam by the person using it. This process is usually achieved by wetting the soap or applying a small amount of it onto wet hands, a washcloth, or directly onto the body or the hair. The user then rubs their hands together or applies gentle circular motions to generate the desired effect.
The lathering action occurs due to the surfactants contained in the soap or shampoo. These surfactants reduce the surface tension of water, allowing it to mix more easily with oily substances on the skin or in the hair, pulling them away and suspending them in the foam. This enables the soap or shampoo to effectively cleanse by removing dirt, sweat, and excess oils from the body or hair.
In a broader sense, "works into lather" can also be figuratively used to describe the process of intensifying or escalating a situation, similar to how agitation and friction generate bubbles or foam from soap. It suggests a progressive buildup or amplification of a particular event, discussion, or problem.