ENGLISH
REFERENCE

tools of trade

idiom
Meaning

The items and equipment that a person uses in the course and scope of their profession, trade, or occupation.


Examples
SIMPLE

A camera and lenses are his tools of trade.

CONTEXTUAL

The carpenter carefully organized his tools of trade before starting work on the new house.

COMPLEX

The surgeon meticulously arranged her specialized instruments, viewing them not merely as equipment, but as the essential tools of trade required for such a delicate procedure.

Anchors to
Related idioms6entries
  1. 01

    carriage trade

    Wealthy or upper-class people in general.

  2. 02

    down tools

    To stop work, especially when taking industrial action.

  3. 03

    skin trade

    The sex industry

  4. 04

    take out in trade

    To accept repayment of a debt in the goods or services in which the debtor deals, rather than in money.

  5. 05

    trade hands

    To change ownership.

  6. 06

    trick of the trade

    A shortcut or other quick, or very effective way of doing things, that professional workers learn from experience.

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