throwing a spanner in the works
Intentionally causing problems
Throwing a spanner in the works is deliberately or accidentally disrupting a plan or process that was running smoothly.
The image is of a wrench (spanner in British English) falling into machinery and jamming the gears.
Everything was on schedule until the permit denial threw a spanner in the works.
The American equivalent is "throwing a wrench in the works."
- delayEnforced waiting period
- obstructionSomething blocking the way
- sabotageDeliberate disruption of operations
- foul playCriminal or violent action
- monkey businessDeceitful or frivolous conduct
wrench · upset the apple cart · failure · mischief · derailment · hindrance · stumbling block · meddling · complication · fly in the ointment · interference · manipulation · gum up the works · throw a wrench · monkey wrench · breakdown · interruption · put a stop to
throwing a spanner in the worksfacilitating
Making something simpler
greasing the wheels · paving the way · enabling · streamlining · expediting
throwing a spanner in the worksplaying ball
Engaging in catch
pulling together · going along with · falling in line · working together · cooperating
throws, thrown, thrower, throwers, spanner, spanners, spanned, spanning, workers