gums up the works
Throws a wrench
To gum up the works is to cause something to malfunction or stop running smoothly, like machinery clogged with sticky residue.
The expression applies to any system or process that gets obstructed: Bureaucratic delays gummed up the works.
Someone who gums up the works creates problems that slow everything down.
- clogBlock or wooden shoe
- jamCooked fruit spread
- malfunctionFailure to operate properly
- delayEnforced waiting period
- impedeTo obstruct movement
sand in the gears · throw a wrench · interference · snag · breakdown · system failure · block · backlog · stall · grinding halt · obstruct · monkey wrench · troubleshoot · overload · hinder · frustration · glitch · technical difficulties
operational efficiency
gums up the worksstreamlines
Makes more efficient
facilitates · expedites · enables · optimizes · lubricates
gums, gummed, work, works, worked, working, worker, workers, workable