tool of trade
- noun
:
herramienta de trabajo
- For a surgeon, precision instruments are essential tools of trade that define their practice.
Examples
-
I believe that many other O&M instructors could benefit from using free-standing canes as part of their tools of trade.
Academic text (1995) -
As a chef, his knives are his tools of trade in preparing delicious meals.
-
Graphic designers rely on powerful software as their tools of trade for visual creation.
Synonyms
∞
1.9
Tools and machines needed for a particular activity
∞
1.1
A thing you hold to do a job, like a hammer
148
2.7
Tools and metal items used for building or fixing things
8
2.5
An ability needed to do a particular job or to get a job
1
3.9
Skills and methods used to do a job or reach a goal
1
4.6
Machines and equipment used to make products in a factory
1
6.5
The skills and tools someone needs for their job
How Essential
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning 'equipment or skills essential for one's profession' is directly and transparently built from 'tool' (implement) and 'trade' (occupation) with 'of' marking association/possession. While the more common phrasing is 'tool(s) of the trade' with a definite article, the compositional relation is straightforward and readily inferable by a B1 learner who knows the constituents.
Etymology
The phrase tool of trade comes from the simple image of a worker with special tools on a belt that show their trade and help them do the job. That's why it means 'the equipment or skills you need for your job'.