1.tool的基本意思是工具,指能使操作更为方便的工具,尤指用手工操作的工具(如刨、锯等),是可数名词。
2.tool常用于借喻中,如果指人往往用于贬义,含有轻蔑的意思,是“爪牙,傀儡”的意思; 指事时,可指通过某种“方法,方式”来达到所做事情的目的。

down tools
罢工 stop working
The typists have downed tools and are refusing to work overtime unless they are paid extra for it.打字员罢工了,她们拒绝加班除非支付给她们额外的报酬。

It is an early tool in recent excavations.这是最近发掘出的古代工具。
He is clumsy with a tool.他使用工具笨手笨脚。
He is accustomed to say that English is a useful tool in his work.他常说英语是他工作中很有用的工具。
A carpenter's tools include saws, hammers, and screw-drivers.木工的工具包括锯子、锤子和旋凿。
The carpenter angrily flung away his tools and would work no longer.木匠怒气冲冲地扔下工具不肯再干了。
He used his boss's absence as a tool for gaining influence.他利用上司外出的机会来扩大影响。
He was a mere tool in the hands of the dictator.他只是那独裁者手中的工具而已。
The prime minister was a mere tool in the hands of the country's president.那个总理只不过是该国总统的马前卒。
Words are the tools of his trade.言谈是他做生意的工具。

tool, utensil
这两个词都有“工具”或“器具”的意思。其区别是:tool指用手工操作的工具,如刨、锯等; utensil原指一切有用途的工具,现多指厨房内的器皿或容器。例如:
Pots, pans, kettles and mops are kitchen utensils.锅、盘、壶及拖把是厨房用具。
另外, tool还常用于比喻义。

［同义词］   appliance, device, implement, instrument, utensil
［词源］  ＜古英语tol(工具)