throw a wrench in
Deliberately cause problems
To throw a wrench in something is to disrupt or sabotage it, typically by introducing an unexpected obstacle: Her resignation threw a wrench in our expansion plans.
The image is of machinery jammed by a tool falling into the gears.
British English uses spanner: throw a spanner in the works.
- gum up the worksSabotage smooth operations
- upset the apple cartDisrupt established order
- meddlingIntrusive interference in others' concerns
- interruptionBreak in continuity
- derailmentLeaving the intended track
undermining · rain on parade · best laid plans · jam · hit a snag · tampering · subversion · repercussions · barrier · impediment · curve ball · grind · fallout · halt · intervention · put a stop to · disturbance · snag
throw a wrench infacilitate
Make something easier
help along · grease the wheels · pave the way · enable · expedite
throw a wrench instraighten out
Correct or organize properly
simplify · sort out · iron out · put in order · fix
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