Tool Meaning
Tool Definition & Usage
A physical instrument or implement used to carry out a specific task or function.
Examples
- "He grabbed a tool to fix the broken pipe."
- "The toolbox was filled with various tools such as hammers and screwdrivers."
- "She used a sharp tool to carve the intricate design into the wood."
- "The mechanic reached for a wrench, one of the essential tools in his kit."
- "Electricians typically carry a set of specialized tools for wiring tasks."
A person or thing used to achieve a particular purpose, often in a manipulative or instrumental way.
Examples
- "The politician was merely a tool in the hands of corporate interests."
- "She felt like a tool, being used by her boss for his own gains."
- "Some people are seen as tools in the quest for power, merely serving the interests of others."
- "He was just a tool for the company's marketing department, fulfilling orders without question."
- "In the grand scheme of things, the corporation used the small town as a tool for their expansion."
To equip with tools or instruments in order to perform a task.
Examples
- "The carpenter tool the workshop with all the necessary equipment for the renovation."
- "The technician tooled up before starting the car repairs."
- "They are tooling their employees with state-of-the-art software to improve productivity."
- "Before the job, he tool the team with everything they would need for the construction site."
- "The workshop was carefully tooled for metalworking and welding tasks."
Cultural Context
The word 'tool' has existed for millennia, originally referring to simple objects like stones or wooden sticks used for survival and crafting. It has since evolved to encompass a vast range of objects and figurative meanings, especially in the modern world where technology plays an ever-increasing role. From industrial settings to the digital age, tools are integral to human progress and achievement.
The Craftsman and His Tools
Story
The Craftsman and His Tools
John had always been a craftsman, learning from his father the ancient art of wood carving. His father’s tool collection was a sacred thing—rusted chisels, carefully sharpened knives, and old hammers that had withstood generations of use. The moment John entered the workshop, he felt the weight of these tools, each one holding the history of work and patience. One day, a wealthy client came to him with a special request. The man was a collector of rare artifacts, and he wanted John to carve an intricate sculpture for his new gallery. John was flattered but hesitant. He knew the work would be difficult and required tools he had never used before. Determined, John set out to tool up his workshop with the finest instruments he could find. He traveled far to acquire the sharpest chisels and the most precise saws. As he worked through the days and nights, he realized how much his tools meant to him—not just for their practicality, but for the connection they gave him to the past, to the craftsmanship of those before him. But as he worked, a thought nagged at him. His client seemed too insistent, too demanding about every detail. It wasn’t until he finished the sculpture and delivered it that he understood. The client didn’t want the art for himself; he only wanted to add it to his collection, a tool in his pursuit of status. John felt like a tool in the grander scheme of things—just another means to an end. In the end, John realized that while tools could shape wood, they could also shape his destiny. They were instruments not only for work but for the stories they carried with them. They could be used for creation, or they could be used for manipulation. He would choose to wield his tools with intention, not letting anyone use him as their tool without his consent.
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