Getting your head round it B1
That moment a tricky idea finally clicks.
work out — solve or understandA: Do you know how this machine works?
B: Not yet, but I'll work it out.
figure out — understand after thinkingA: Why is the printer not working?
B: I don't know yet, but I'll try to figure it out.
catch on — understandA: Did you get the joke?
B: Oh, now I catch on! That was funny.
It finally clicked
A: How are you getting on with the algebra?
B: I couldn't work out the last question for ages, but I've cracked it now.
A: Did you figure out why the answer came out negative in the end?
B: Yeah, once I drew it out it all made sense.
Helping it sink in
A: I just can't catch on to this grammar rule.
B: Don't worry, it took me ages to work out as well.
A: How did you figure out when to use which one?
B: Loads of examples, honestly. It clicks eventually.