throw sand in the gears

throw sand in the gears

To disrupt, delay, 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 sand in the gears. It will throw sand in the gears if the board decides not to increase our funding for this project. The CEO of the massive conglomerate accused the government of maliciously throwing sand in the gears of its latest acquisition.

See also: gear, sand, throw

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