Down tools
verb phrase
To stop work, usually as a form of protest.
The workers decided to down tools until their demands for better pay were met.
Often appears as...
- workers down tools
- down tools in protest
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb phrase
To stop what one is doing.
After a long day, all I want to do is down tools and relax.
Often appears as...
- down tools and rest
- time to down tools
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb phrase
To stop work, usually as a form of protest.
The workers decided to down tools until their demands for better pay were met.
Often appears as...
- workers down tools
- down tools in protest
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb phrase
To stop what one is doing.
After a long day, all I want to do is down tools and relax.
Often appears as...
- down tools and rest
- time to down tools
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Protest Action
Used to describe a collective decision to stop working, often to gain attention and action regarding complaints.
After negotiations failed, the factory workers downed tools.
Pro Tip 2/3Solidarity
Shows unity among workers, indicating everyone stopped working together for a common cause.
The team downed tools in solidarity with their striking colleagues.
Pro Tip 3/3Worker Empowerment
Implies workers taking control or standing up for their rights against employers.
The employees downed tools to demand a safer working environment.
Pro Tip 1/3Protest Action
Used to describe a collective decision to stop working, often to gain attention and action regarding complaints.
After negotiations failed, the factory workers downed tools.
Pro Tip 2/3Solidarity
Shows unity among workers, indicating everyone stopped working together for a common cause.
The team downed tools in solidarity with their striking colleagues.
Pro Tip 3/3Worker Empowerment
Implies workers taking control or standing up for their rights against employers.
The employees downed tools to demand a safer working environment.
Pro Tip 1/3Protest Action
Used to describe a collective decision to stop working, often to gain attention and action regarding complaints.
After negotiations failed, the factory workers downed tools.
Pro Tip 2/3Solidarity
Shows unity among workers, indicating everyone stopped working together for a common cause.
The team downed tools in solidarity with their striking colleagues.
Pro Tip 3/3Worker Empowerment
Implies workers taking control or standing up for their rights against employers.
The employees downed tools to demand a safer working environment.
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