tools of the trade
Worker's essential implements
Tools of the trade are the equipment, skills, or resources essential to a particular job or profession.
A carpenter's tools of the trade include hammers and saws; a writer's might be a laptop and a good thesaurus.
The phrase often appears when someone is sizing up what's needed to do work competently: She showed up with all the tools of the trade.
It can also refer figuratively to less tangible requirements like connections or insider knowledge.
- bread and butterPrimary source of income
- spreadsheet softwareApplication for tabular calculations
- word processorDocument creation software
- hammerTool for striking nails
- problem-solvingAddressing challenges methodically
wrench · paintbrush · microscope · stethoscope · negotiation · camera · pliers · ladder · chisel · power drill · tape measure · coding · data analysis · sewing machine · toolkit · equipment · workbench · heavy machinery
tools of the tradeimpediments
Things that obstruct progress
hindrances · obstacles · distractions · frivolities · dead weight
tools of the tradeornaments
Decorative embellishments for display
paperweights · dust collectors · window dressing · decorative items · novelty items
tool, tools, tooled, tooling, trade, trades, traded, trading, trader