downing tools
Refusing to work
Downing tools is the act of stopping work, especially as a form of protest or strike.
Workers downed tools when management refused to negotiate.
The phrase originates from literally setting down hand tools, but applies to any work stoppage: The entire department downed tools at noon.
Chiefly British.
- walkoutProtest by leaving
- strikeForceful impact or stoppage
- work stoppageOrganized cessation of labor
- work to ruleProtest via literal compliance
- civil disobediencePeaceful refusal to obey
industrial action · labor dispute · activism · picket line · picket sign · go-slow · solidarity · sit-in · collective bargaining · union rep · wildcat strike · lockout · management · workplace safety · negotiation · employment · job security · boycott
downing toolscarrying on
Maintaining activity despite obstacles
clocking in · working on · pressing on · knuckling down · working through
downing toolsscabbing
Forming protective crust
strikebreaking · toeing the line · complying · capitulating · settling
downing toolsworking
In active function
laboring · toiling · grafting · keeping busy · rolling up one's sleeves
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