To cause a problem or disruption; to screw something up
Throw a Spanner in the Works
Example Sentences
"The rain really threw a spanner in the works."
"Don't throw a spanner in the works now!"
Etymology & History
From industrial sabotage, literally throwing a spanner (wrench) into machinery. First recorded in the early 20th century.
Word Details
📍
Region
General British
📅
Era
Modern
✓
Language
Mild
💬
Formality
Informal
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Anglotopia's Dictionary of British English 2nd Edition
British Slang from A to Zed
By Jonathan Thomas
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