throw a spanner in the works

• throw a spanner into the works

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throw a spanner in the works (third-person singular simple present throws a spanner in the works, present participle throwing a spanner in the works, simple past threw a spanner in the works, past participle thrown a spanner in the works)

1. (idiomatic, UK) To introduce a problem, dilemma or obstacle, something unexpected or troublesome.

   Synonyms: (US) throw a wrench in the works, throw a wrench in the gears, throw a monkey wrench in the works, gum up the works

   Halfway through the production of Macbeth, the director found that the stage was smaller than he had expected. This really threw a spanner in the works.

• throw a wrench in the works (US)
• put a spoke in someone's wheel
• monkey wrench (US)
• spanner in the works