Throw a monkey wrench in the works Meaning in English
expression
التعريف
To cause problems or unexpected difficulties that stop a plan, process, or system from working smoothly.
الاستخدام والفروق الدقيقة
This is an informal idiom mainly used in American English; 'spanner in the works' is the British version. It describes unexpected disruptions, not minor issues. Used for both people and events. Often appears as 'someone threw a monkey wrench in the works'.
جمل نموذجية
Her absence threw a monkey wrench in the works on the day of the event.
basic
The power outage threw a monkey wrench in the works for our online meeting.
basic
Rain threw a monkey wrench in the works for the family picnic.
basic
Everything was going smoothly until a last-minute change threw a monkey wrench in the works.
natural
She was about to finish the project when a technical problem threw a monkey wrench in the works.
natural
Don’t throw a monkey wrench in the works now—we’re almost done!
natural