put a stick in (one's) spokes

To disrupt, foil, or cause problems to one's plan, activity, or project. Everything was all lined up for the party, but having the caterer cancel on me at the last minute really put a stick in my spokes. It will really put a stick in our spokes if the board decides not to increase our funding for this project. You would think the rise of cheap electric cars would put a stick in Big Oil's spokes, but they actually seem to be embracing the change.