throw a spanner in the works
/ˌθrəʊ ə ˈspænə ɪn ðə ˈwɜːks/INFORMAL · C1
Meaning
to do something that stops a plan from succeeding
Examples
- 1We had the wedding all planned, but the venue closing threw a spanner in the works.
- 2Bad news, I'm afraid: the train strike has thrown a spanner in the works.
- 3Our holiday was booked until Maria's passport expired and threw a spanner in the works.
- 4Don't let one sick day throw a spanner in the works; we can still finish by Friday.
- 5Leo keeps throwing a spanner in the works by changing the design at the last minute.
Grammar
Only throw changes: throws, throwing, threw, thrown. put a spanner in the works is also used.
Similar in meaning
More idioms about problems and trouble
All 20 idioms and the topic quiz →sweep something under the carpetto hide a problem instead of dealing with itteething problemssmall difficulties at the start of something newtouch and goso uncertain that it could easily end badlycome to a headto reach the point where something must be donea double-edged swordsomething that has both good and bad effectsin hot waterin trouble and likely to be punished or criticised
English Idioms400 idioms in 20 topics — with reviews that keep them from fading
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