thrown a spanner in the works
Caused mechanical failure
To throw a spanner in the works is to cause disruption to a plan or process, usually unexpectedly.
The image is of a wrench falling into machinery and jamming the gears.
Primarily British; Americans say throw a wrench in the works.
Everything was going smoothly until the permit denial threw a spanner in the works.
- monkey wrenchTool with sliding jaw
- throw a wrenchSabotage ongoing efforts
- fly in the ointmentSmall flaw spoiling everything
- rain on paradeSpoil someone's enthusiasm
- put a damper onReduce enthusiasm or enjoyment
obstacle · stumbling block · snafu · wrench · hindrance · complication · roadblock · curveball · curve ball · rock the boat · upset the apple cart · impediment · setback · bump in the road · best laid plans · stir the pot · interruption · delay
thrown a spanner in the workspaved the way
Made future progress possible
facilitated · enabled · expedited · streamlined · got the ball rolling
throws, throwing, spanner, spanners, workers, rework, overwork, overworked