throw a spanner in the works

意味

to do something that stops a plan from succeeding

計画の成功を妨げることをする.

例文

1. 1We had the wedding all planned, but the venue closing threw a spanner in the works.
2. 2Bad news, I'm afraid: the train strike has thrown a spanner in the works.
3. 3Our holiday was booked until Maria's passport expired and threw a spanner in the works.
4. 4Don't let one sick day throw a spanner in the works; we can still finish by Friday.
5. 5Leo keeps throwing a spanner in the works by changing the design at the last minute.

文法

変化するのは throw だけで、throws、throwing、threw、thrown となる。put a spanner in the works とも言う。

似た意味の表現