tool
/tu:l/
Definition
Noun:
- An implement used to carry out a particular function: A device or instrument, especially one held in the hand, used to perform or facilitate mechanical tasks.
- A person used by another to carry out a task: Someone who is used or manipulated by another person to achieve a goal, often implying a lack of independence or will.
- (Vulgar slang) The penis.
Verb:
- To work on or shape something with a tool: To use a tool to form, finish, or work on a material.
- To equip with tools: To furnish a workshop or person with the necessary implements.
- (Informal) To drive or ride in a vehicle in a casual or leisurely manner: To travel, especially by car, without a specific urgent purpose.
Examples of Usage
- Noun:
- A hammer is an essential tool for a carpenter.
- He was merely a tool in the hands of the corrupt politician.
- Verb:
- The artisan tooled the leather with intricate designs.
- They spent the afternoon just tooling around the countryside in their convertible.
Advanced Usage
- "To be a tool of (someone/something)": To be used as an instrument or agent for another's purposes.
- The organization became a tool of state propaganda.
- "Tool up": To equip oneself or a factory with the necessary tools or machinery.
- The company is tooling up for the new production line.
Variants and Related Words
- Toolbox (n): A box or container for storing tools.
- Toolkit (n): A set of tools, or a set of skills or resources for a particular purpose.
- Tooling (n): The process of working with tools; decorative patterns made on a material like leather.
Synonyms
- Noun (Implement): Implement, instrument, device, utensil, gadget.
- Noun (Person): Pawn, puppet, instrument, lackey, stooge.
- Verb (Work with): Shape, work, fashion, machine.
- Verb (Drive): Cruise, drive, ride, travel.
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Tool along/around: To drive or move in a relaxed, aimless way.
- We had no plans, so we just tooled around town all day.
- Tool up: To equip with tools or machinery.
- The mechanic tooled up his new garage.
Related Idioms
- "A bad workman blames his tools": A proverb meaning an unskilled person often blames their equipment for their poor work, rather than their own lack of skill.
- He said the software was faulty, but it's a case of a bad workman blaming his tools.
- "The right tool for the job": The most appropriate instrument or method for a specific task.
- You need the right tool for the job, so don't try to use a screwdriver as a chisel.
Noun
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obscene terms for penis
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a person who is controlled by others and is used to perform unpleasant or dishonest tasks for someone else
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the means whereby some act is accomplished
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my greed was the instrument of my destruction
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science has given us new tools to fight disease
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an implement used in the practice of a vocation
Verb
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work with a tool
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furnish with tools
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ride in a car with no particular goal and just for the pleasure of it
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We tooled down the street
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drive
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The convertible tooled down the street
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