throwing a wrench in
Introducing unexpected obstacles
Throwing a wrench in means disrupting or sabotaging a plan or process that was running smoothly.
The image is of a wrench falling into machinery and jamming the gears.
Usually appears as throw a wrench in: The storm threw a wrench in our travel plans.
The fuller form is throw a wrench in the works.
British English prefers spanner: throw a spanner in the works.
- meddlingIntrusive interference in others' concerns
- barriersThings blocking access
- underminingWeakening by covert means
- impedimentsThings that obstruct progress
- interruptionBreak in continuity
tampering · gumming up the works · snags · disturbance · obstruction · derailment · best laid plans · bottlenecks · wrecking · foiling · subversion · roadblocks · spanner in the works · curve ball · monkey business · breakdown · sabotage · intervention
throwing a wrench ingreasing the wheels
Facilitating through incentives
facilitating · paving the way · expediting · enabling · streamlining
throwing a wrench inplaying ball
Engaging in catch
going along with · backing up · supporting · cooperating · falling in line
throw, throws, thrown, thrower, throwers, wrench, wrenches, wrenched, wrenching