monkey wrenches

Throws plans off

Monkey wrenches are adjustable wrenches with a jaw that moves via a screw mechanism, useful for gripping nuts and bolts of various sizes.

The tool gives its name to the phrase throw a monkey wrench into, meaning to sabotage or disrupt: Budget cuts threw a monkey wrench into our plans.

As a verb, to monkey-wrench is to sabotage, especially industrial equipment as environmental protest.

Related

best laid plans · adjustable · spanner · difficulties · tools · grip · hindrance · complication · roadblock · gum up the works · disruption · obstructions · setback · work stoppage · loosen · blocks · sabotage · turn

Opposites
tool adjustability

monkey wrenchessocket wrenches

Tools with swappable cylindrical heads

torque wrenches · ratchet wrenches · hex keys · Allen keys · Allen wrenches

ACTION ON PLANS (idiomatic)

monkey wrenchesfacilitators

Those who aid progress

helping hands · enablers · catalysts · lubricants · smooth sailing

Family

monkey, wrench, monkeys, wrenches, wrenched, wrenching, monkeyed, monkeying

Familiarity
Top 200,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G