Down tools Meaning in English
expression
Definition
To stop working as a form of protest, usually by workers refusing to continue their jobs, often as part of a strike.
Usage & Nuances
Chiefly British and formal or news contexts; not as common in American English. Often used when talking about strikes in manual or industrial labor. Do not use for casual quitting or finishing a task. Often appears as 'to down tools' or 'workers downed tools'.
Example Sentences
The workers decided to down tools after their demands were not met.
basic
If the company cuts their pay, employees might down tools in protest.
basic
The union called on staff to down tools until a solution was found.
basic
Fed up with unsafe conditions, the team finally decided to down tools yesterday.
natural
It's rare these days, but some workers still down tools when things get tough.
natural
Management was surprised when the entire factory decided to down tools for the afternoon.
natural