gum the works up

To interfere with the proper functioning of something. More regulations will just gum the works up. A: "Any idea what's wrong with my engine?" B: "Well, sediment can certainly gum the works up." The Internet is running awfully slow. I wonder if an influx of users has gummed the works up.

See also: gum, up, work

See also:

gum up the works
never change a running system
if it ain't broken, don't fix it
if it isn't broke, don't fix it
if it isn't broken, don't fix it
gum up
fire on all cylinders
firing/working on all cylinders
be out of whack
if it ain't broke don't fix it

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