throw a wrench into the works

throw a (monkey) wrench in(to) the works

To disrupt, foil, or cause problems to a plan, activity, or project. We had everything in line for the party, but having the caterer cancel on us at the last minute really threw a wrench in the works! It'll really throw a monkey wrench into the works if the board decides not to increase our funding for this project.

See also: throw, work, wrench

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

throw a wrench into the works

or

throw a monkey wrench into the works

AMERICAN

If someone or something throws a wrench into the works or throws a monkey wrench into the works, they cause problems which prevent something from happening in the way that was planned. Of course they may not sign the agreement by the sixteenth and that would throw a monkey wrench into the works. Note: Instead of saying the works, people often describe the situation in which the problem is caused. Most health-related problems, of course, are not life-threatening, but they can throw a wrench into an otherwise pleasant holiday. The US delegation threw a giant monkey wrench into the process this week by raising all sorts of petty objections. Note: The usual British expression is throw a spanner in the works.

See also: throw, work, wrench

Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012