Monkey wrench Meaning in English
expression
释义
A monkey wrench is a tool with an adjustable jaw, used to turn nuts and bolts. In informal English, 'throw a monkey wrench into' something means to cause problems or difficulties for a plan or process.
用法与细微差别
As a tool, 'monkey wrench' is less common in American English than 'adjustable wrench.' The idiom 'throw a monkey wrench into (something)' is informal and common in U.S. English for causing disruption. In British English, the equivalent idiom uses 'spanner': 'throw a spanner in the works.'
例句
I used a monkey wrench to fix the pipe.
basic
Please pass me the monkey wrench.
basic
The mechanic grabbed a monkey wrench from his toolbox.
basic
It looks like someone threw a monkey wrench into our plans.
natural
The sudden storm really threw a monkey wrench into our picnic.
natural
Every time we get close to finishing, something else throws a monkey wrench in the works.
natural