Throw a wrench in Meaning in English
expression
ˈθɹoʊ/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈɹɛntʃ/ /ˈɪn/, /ɪn
THROH uh RENCH in
θɹˈəʊ/ /æɪ/ /ɹˈɛntʃ/ /ˈɪn
th-ROH rench IN
Definition
To cause a problem or obstacle that ruins or delays progress or plans.
Usage & Nuances
This is an informal expression. In US English it’s common; the UK equivalents are 'throw a spanner in the works' or 'put a spanner in the works'. Used when something unexpectedly disrupts plans. Often followed by 'the plans' or 'the process.'
Spanish: complicar las cosas - entorpecer - poner trabasPortuguese (BR): complicar - atrapalhar - dificultarPortuguese (PT): complicar - dificultar - criar um impedimentoChinese (Simplified): 搅局 - 破坏计划 - 添麻烦Chinese (Traditional): 搗亂 - 破壞計劃 - 添麻煩Hindi: अड़चन डालना - योजना में बाधा डालनाArabic: إثارة الفوضى - تعطيل الخطة - وضع عقبةBengali: ঝামেলা বাধানো - সমস্যা সৃষ্টি করাRussian: вставить палки в колёса - создать проблемуJapanese: 水を差す - 台無しにするVietnamese: gây trở ngại - làm hỏng việcKorean: 훼방을 놓다 - 방해하다Turkish: işleri bozmak - çomak sokmakUrdu: رخنہ ڈالنا - رکاوٹ ڈالناIndonesian: mengacaukan - mengganggu
Example Sentences
The bad weather threw a wrench in our picnic plans.
basic
A power outage threw a wrench in the meeting.
basic
Her illness threw a wrench in our travel plans.
basic
Everything was going smoothly until budget cuts threw a wrench in the whole project.
natural
I was ready to leave, but car trouble really threw a wrench in my morning.
natural
Just when we'd fixed the last issue, another bug threw a wrench in our software release.
natural