tool
gb/tˈul/ us/tˈul/
A2
English
~ 1800
Senses
0 senses
Noun
A2
entity
1
Device for doing a task
A thing you hold and use to do a job or task.
Usage pattern:
use [a tool] to [do something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'tool' with 'machine'. A machine often has moving parts and may use power, while a tool can be simple and manual.
Synonyms
implement (Slightly more formal; often used for tools in specific trades or crafts.)
Antonyms
bare hands (Refers to doing something without any tool or instrument.)
Collocations
hand tool
|power tool
|garden tool
|use a tool
|tool kit
Themes
daily life
|work
|technology
|daily_life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The mechanic grabbed a tool from the box.
- A hammer is a simple but useful tool.
- You need the right tool for this job.
- She bought some gardening tools at the store.
Learner examples
- I use a tool to fix my bike.
- This tool is very heavy.
- We need a tool to open the box.
- He has many tools in his garage.
Noun
B1
entity
2
Software for doing a task
A program or part of a program that helps you do something on a computer.
Usage pattern:
[software/tool] to [do something]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'tool' with 'app'; 'tool' can be part of an app, not always the whole app.
Synonyms
application (Often refers to complete programs; 'tool' may suggest a smaller or specialized function.)
Antonyms
manual process (Doing the task without the help of software.)
Collocations
online tool
|digital tool
|search tool
|software tool
Themes
technology
|computing
|work
Examples
- This website offers a free tool for editing photos.
- The search tool helps you find files quickly.
- Developers use many different tools to create apps.
Learner examples
- I use an online tool to check my spelling.
- This tool makes the work easy.
- The tool helps me find pictures.
Noun
informal
B2
entity
3
Person exploited by others
A person who someone else controls or uses for their own plans.
Usage pattern:
[someone] is a tool of [someone else]
Common mistake:
Learners may misunderstand and think it means 'a helpful person' rather than 'someone being used'.
Synonyms
pawn (Suggests someone being used in a larger plan, often in politics or strategy.)
Antonyms
independent thinker (Someone who acts on their own and is not controlled by others.)
Collocations
political tool
Themes
relationships
|society
Examples
- He didn't realize he was just a tool in their scheme.
- The dictator used the media as a political tool.
- She felt like a tool after finding out they only befriended her for access to her contacts.
Learner examples
- He is just a tool for them.
- They use him as a tool in their plan.
- She was a tool in the game.
Noun
slang
B2
entity
4
Insult for an annoying man
An insulting word for a man who acts badly or foolishly.
Common mistake:
Learners might confuse this slang meaning with the literal object meaning, which could cause misunderstandings in informal conversation.
Synonyms
jerk (General insult for an unpleasant man; 'tool' is slangy and more derogatory in tone.)
Antonyms
gentleman (Polite and respectful man.)
Themes
relationships
|insults
|communication
Examples
- Don't be such a tool!
- I can't believe she dated that tool for so long.
- He's acting like a total tool tonight.
Learner examples
- He is a real tool.
- Don't be a tool.
- That man is a tool.
Grammar
Expressions
as useful as a chocolate teapot
1/ˈæz jˈusfəl ˈæz ə t͡ʃˈɔklɪt tˈipˌɑt/
idiom
informal
Completely useless
Not useful at all for what it should do.
Examples
- Without the right training, that expensive software is as useful as a chocolate teapot.
- This map is as useful as a chocolate teapot in the dark.
multi-tool
1/mˈʌlti tˈul/
fixed phrase
Device with many functions
A small device that has several tools in one.
Examples
- He always carries a multi-tool when hiking.
- This multi-tool includes scissors, pliers, and a knife.
put someone's tools down
1/pˈʊt sˈʌmwˌʌnz tˈulz dˈaʊn/
fixed phrase
Stop working with tools/equipment
To stop using tools, usually because work has ended or been stopped on purpose.
Examples
- The workers put their tools down at noon to join the protest.
- It's time to put your tools down and take a break.
tools of the trade
1/tˈulz əv ðə tɹˈeɪd/
idiom
Equipment/skills needed for work
The things you need to do your job well.
Examples
- A camera and tripod are the tools of the trade for a photographer.
- Good communication skills are tools of the trade in sales.