noun
1 instrument for making/repairing things
ADJECTIVE
▪ general-purpose , multi-purpose
▪ basic , primitive , simple , standard , traditional
▪
craftsmen using traditional ~s
▪ sophisticated , special
▪ right
▪
Do you have the right ~s for the job?
▪ sharp
▪ rusty
▪ cutting , drawing , measuring
▪ cordless , hand , machine , power
▪ agricultural , engineering , farm , farming , garden , gardening , industrial , woodworking
… OF TOOLS
▪ set
VERB + TOOL
▪ use
▪ sharpen
▪ down ~s ( BrE )
▪
Workers downed ~s (= stopped work) in protest at poor safety standards in the works.
2 sth that helps you do/achieve sth
ADJECTIVE
▪ new
▪ effective , essential , handy , important , indispensable , invaluable , key , major , necessary , powerful , primary , useful , valuable , vital
▪ blunt
▪ educational , learning , pedagogical , teaching
▪ reference , research
▪
This dictionary is an invaluable reference ~ for advanced learners.
▪ analysis , analytical , conceptual , diagnostic , investigative , practical
▪
a valuable diagnostic ~ for physicians
▪ legal , negotiating , political , propaganda
▪
We must ensure that education is not used as a political ~.
▪ communication , management , marketing
▪ design , development , drawing , multimedia , presentation
▪ blogging , desktop , digital , online , programming , software
VERB + TOOL
▪ become
▪
The Internet has become a vital ~ for many artists.
▪ develop , provide
PHRASES
▪ the ~s of the/sb's trade
▪
Sympathy and compassion are the ~s of his trade.