[Idiom] THROW A SPANNER IN THE WORKS. - How Disruptions Can Alter Plans and Progress!
Throw a spanner in the works.
To disrupt or cause problems.
To "Throw a spanner in the works" means to deliberately cause a disruption or problem that prevents something from happening as planned. This British phrase, akin to "throw a wrench in the works" in American English, originates from the idea of throwing a tool into machinery, which would clog it up and stop it from working. It vividly conveys intentional sabotage but can also refer to an accidental mishap that causes unforeseen complications.
Example Sentences
He threw a spanner in the works.
It means he disrupted the plans or process.
Mary throwing a spanner in the works ruined our plans.
It indicates that Mary’s actions disrupted and ruined their plans.
Just when we thought everything was sorted, Jake threw a spanner in the works by quitting.
It suggests that Jake quitting upended their previously sorted plans.