gum up the works

gum up the works

To interfere with the proper functioning of something. More regulations will just gum up the works.
See also: gum, up, work
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

gum up the works

If something gums up the works, it makes it difficult for a process or activity to happen. We hope to use the new electronic voting machines, but legal challenges could still gum up the works.
See also: gum, up, work
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

gum up the ˈworks

(informal) make progress or an activity impossible: The building was going well, but the delay in delivering more bricks has really gummed up the works.
The works are the moving parts of an engine.
See also: gum, up, work
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • gum the works up
  • gum up
  • on one's
  • on someone's
  • other than
  • other than (something)
  • out of one's
  • let something drop
  • #dead
  • (I've) got to go