Useful English Word or Phrase to Boost Your English: Down tools

What does it mean?

Down tools means to stop working, often at the end of the day or during a strike.

Is it positive or negative?

Neutral. It can be practical (finish work) or political (strike action).

When do you use it?

Use it when people stop work, especially in construction or manual jobs.

Examples

Example 1: The builders downed tools at five sharp.

Example 2: The workers downed tools to protest the pay offer.

Question for you

What time do you usually down tools?

Are you looking for English speaking practice online?

Do not down tools on your English. Join my online English lessons for real conversation and British expressions that you can use at work and in daily life. Learn with a British native speaker and boost your fluency. See booking details here. For another work phrase, see call it a day.