throw a spanner in the works

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb

To introduce a problem, dilemma or obstacle, something unexpected or troublesome.

Pronunciation

En-au-throw a spanner in the works.ogg

Word forms

throw a spanner in the works throws a spanner in the works throwing a spanner in the works threw a spanner in the works thrown a spanner in the works throw a spanner into the works

Synonyms

Related words

throw a wrench in the works put a spoke in someone's wheel monkey wrench spanner in the works

← throw a mickey
← throw a monkey wrench in the works
← throw a monkey wrench into the works
← throw a party
← throw a sickie

throw a spanner into the works →
throw a sprat to catch a mackerel →
throw a tantrum →
throw a wet blanket on →
throw a wobbly →

This entry uses open data from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA/GFDL). Word forms are used for search and are not indexed as separate pages.

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