wrench in the works
Plan-destroying interference arrives
A wrench in the works is something that disrupts a plan or process, like a tool thrown into machinery.
The phrase is a blend of the American throw a wrench into and the British spanner in the works, both conveying the same idea of sabotage or unexpected obstruction: The lawsuit threw a wrench in the works just before the merger closed.
- fly in the ointmentSmall flaw spoiling everything
- monkey businessDeceitful or frivolous conduct
- obstacleSomething blocking the way
- hindranceBarrier to progress
- setbackReverse in progress
troubleshooting · damage control · wrinkle · glitch · impediment · stumbling block · speed bump · malfunction · curveball · best laid plans · complication · snag · workaround · hiccup · roadblock · sabotage · bottleneck · derailment
- chaos idiomsall hell breaks loose, pandemonium, madhouse, circus, bedlam
wrench in the workssmooth sailing
Untroubled progress forward
clear path · green light · helping hand · tailwind · blessing in disguise
wrench in the workswell-oiled machine
Flawlessly coordinated working system
clockwork · like clockwork · firing on all cylinders · shipshape · on track
wrench in the workssmooth sailing
Untroubled progress forward
well-oiled machine · plain sailing · clear path · green light · easy street
wrench, work, wrenches, wrenched, wrenching, works, worked, working, worker