throw a spanner in the works
Cause unexpected problems
To throw a spanner in the works is to disrupt a plan or process, usually unexpectedly.
The image is of a metal tool jamming machinery.
Everything was going smoothly until the permit denial threw a spanner in the works.
The American equivalent is throw a wrench in the works, or simply throw a wrench in something.
- obstructBlock or hinder passage
- throw a wrench in the worksSabotage a functioning system
- monkey wrenchTool with sliding jaw
- stymieTo obstruct or baffle
- sabotageDeliberate disruption of operations
throw a monkey wrench · disrupt · derail · wrench · rain on someone's parade · hinder · impede · obstacle · fly in the ointment · frustrate · hamper · scupper · put a damper on · rock the boat · foil · interfere · undermine · put the kibosh on
throw a spanner in the worksfacilitate
Make something easier
grease the wheels · pave the way · enable · expedite · streamline
throw a spanner in the workslend a hand
Offer assistance to someone
pitch in · contribute · support · assist · help out
throws, thrown, throwing, thrower, spanner, spanners, workers