throw a spanner in the works

throw a spanner in(to) the works

To disrupt, foil, or cause problems to a plan, activity, or project. Primarily heard in UK. We had everything in line for the party, but having the caterer cancel on us at the last minute really threw a spanner in the works! It'll really throw a spanner into the works if the board decides not to increase our funding for this project.

throw a spanner in the works

put a spanner in the works

BRITISH

COMMON If someone or something throws a spanner in the works or puts a spanner in the works, they cause problems which prevent something from happening in the way that it was planned. If they're suddenly going to change the arrangement, it's going to throw a spanner in the works. It is clear Britain could have put a spanner in the works of the contract. Note: You can also just talk about a spanner in the works, meaning `a problem that prevents something from happening the way that it was planned'. Another possible spanner in the works is the weather, which may prevent us from travelling on the 18th. Note: The usual American expression is throw a wrench into the works or throw a monkey wrench into the works.

put/throw a ˈspanner in the works

(British English) (American English throw a (ˈmonkey) ˈwrench in the works) (informal) spoil or prevent the success of somebody’s plan, idea, etc: Let’s get this finished before the boss comes along and throws a spanner in the works.

A spanner or wrench is a metal tool used for fastening things tightly. The works are the moving parts of a machine.

词组	throw a spanner in the works
释义	throw a spanner in the works throw a spanner in(to) the works To disrupt, foil, or cause problems to a plan, activity, or project. Primarily heard in UK. We had everything in line for the party, but having the caterer cancel on us at the last minute really threw a spanner in the works! It'll really throw a spanner into the works if the board decides not to increase our funding for this project. See also: spanner, throw, work Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. throw a spanner in the works or put a spanner in the works BRITISH COMMON If someone or something throws a spanner in the works or puts a spanner in the works, they cause problems which prevent something from happening in the way that it was planned. If they're suddenly going to change the arrangement, it's going to throw a spanner in the works. It is clear Britain could have put a spanner in the works of the contract. Note: You can also just talk about a spanner in the works, meaning `a problem that prevents something from happening the way that it was planned'. Another possible spanner in the works is the weather, which may prevent us from travelling on the 18th. Note: The usual American expression is throw a wrench into the works or throw a monkey wrench into the works. See also: spanner, throw, work Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. put/throw a ˈspanner in the works (British English) (American English throw a (ˈmonkey) ˈwrench in the works) (informal) spoil or prevent the success of somebody’s plan, idea, etc: Let’s get this finished before the boss comes along and throws a spanner in the works. A spanner or wrench is a metal tool used for fastening things tightly. The works are the moving parts of a machine. See also: put, spanner, throw, work Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary See also: put a (monkey) wrench in(to) the works put a spanner in(to) the works put/throw a spanner in the works throw a monkey wrench in(to) (something) throw a monkey wrench into throw a spanner in(to) the works throw a wrench into the works throw a (monkey) wrench in(to) the works throw a monkey wrench in the works put a spoke in someone's wheel References in periodicals archive HER form at the start of her latest gig was not to be sniffed at - but Amy nose how to throw a spanner in the works. UH-OH, OH She impresses Tyler during a trial shift and is quickly hired - only for Lucas to throw a spanner in the works. NEIGHBOURS - FIVE PAUL Devlin has backed Neil Warnock's Crystal Palace to 'throw a spanner in the works' for Blues on Sunday. Devlin Palace to upset Blues' applecart CHASETOWN fully intend "to throw a spanner in the works" of Nuneaton Town's title-chasing machine tonight. Big test for Chasetown; BGB MIDLANDS NON-LEAGUE NEWS "I want to see basketball in this area improve immensely and I was not going to throw a spanner in the works, not that it was really my decision to make. Basketball: Simms makes Panthers at home VILLA are continuing to plan for a summer tour of the United States, although Martin O'Neill admits that the InterToto Cup may throw a spanner in the works. Football: US tour looking on cards
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