down tools

(redirected from lay down tools)

down tools

To refuse to work, usually in an attempt to force improvement in one's working conditions. Primarily heard in UK, Australia. Sir, I'm afraid the workers will down tools if we don't offer them a better contract.
See also: down, tool
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

down tools

or

lay down tools

BRITISH
If a group of people down tools or lay down tools, they stop working, often in order to protest about something. In August, the workers at this shipyard downed tools and went on strike for pay increases. Metal workers, engineers, waiters and cooks are among those who have laid down tools this week.
See also: down, tool
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012

down tools

stop work, typically as a form of industrial action. British informal
See also: down, tool
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

ˌdown ˈtools

(British English) stop work, either at the end of the day or to go on strike: The workers have threatened to down tools as a protest against the dismissals.
See also: down, tool
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
See also:
References in periodicals archive ?
The one thing I am not going to do is lay down tools because I am saying to the players they have to fight until the end.
DESPERATE TIMES; THE VERDICT: ALBION 1 LEICESTER 4 no respite for hapless albion as pardew's position looks ever more vulnerable..
I'm not going to lay down tools. WEST BROM Next Fixtures Sat B'mouth (a) Prem Mar 31 West Brom (h) Prem Apr 7 Swansea (h) Prem LEICESTER Next Fixtures Sun Chelsea (h) FA Cup Mar 31 Brighton (a) Prem Sat 7 Newcastle (h) Prem mirror.co.uk/sport/football
THE FINAL INSULT; Snubbed Pardew says: I stood by Krychowiak even when he was bad
"The one thing I'm not going to do is lay down tools. I'll continue to fight.
How much can he take? MAH; PARDS: BACK ME OR SACK ME NOW!
It was a seventh defeat in a row - Albion's worst run in 15 years - but Pardew said: "The one thing I'm not going to do is lay down tools."
PARDEW: OWNERS COULD AXE ME; Round-up
"The one thing I'm not going to do is what I said on Thursday, is I'm not going to lay down tools," he added.
Pardew faces talks with board over Baggies future
Maybe if his job was low paid, like the people who did go on strike, he would be the first to lay down tools.
The low-paid are right to go on strike; FEEDBACK
Firms are required to allow employees to lay down tools between 12.30pm and 3pm if they work outside.
Dubai Municipality drive warns residents about dangers of..
Idioms browser ?
Full browser ?