went back to the tools

Verb

go back to the tools (third-person singular simple present goes back to the tools, present participle going back to the tools, simple past went back to the tools, past participle gone back to the tools)

1. (industrial relations) To return to one's job after having held, or failed to obtain, a position in a trade union.
   • I think Brother Bartalini put it very well when he said they would laugh at you if you had to go back to the tools.1966, Proceedings of the General Convention, United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, page 414