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THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE

Throw a spanner in the works

Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.

01 / UNDERSTAND

Meaning in plain English

To cause a problem that prevents a plan or activity from working as intended.

02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT

The expression in a sentence

  1. The cancelled delivery threw a spanner in the works for our opening day.

03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING

Quick idiom quiz

Try the question without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.

Can you recall the expression?

Which expression from this lesson matches this meaning?

To cause a problem that prevents a plan or activity from working as intended.
Show the answer

Throw a spanner in the works — To cause a problem that prevents a plan or activity from working as intended.

Try your own sentence (optional)

Make it yours

Write one sentence using “Throw a spanner in the works” about your own life.

Check your sentence

Does your sentence match this meaning?

To cause a problem that prevents a plan or activity from working as intended.

Compare: The cancelled delivery threw a spanner in the works for our opening day.

Check the spelling and how the expression fits the sentence. Your example can be different.

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More ways to understand and use it

When to use it

Use it conversationally for a disruptive development or action. The wording with spanner is UK English.

More examples in context

  • A missing signature could throw a spanner in the works.
  • The unexpected power cut threw a spanner in the works during registration.

Usage note

The US variation is “throw a wrench in the works,” also “throw a monkey wrench in the works.” The past tense of throw is threw.

A short conversation

A: Are we ready to open tomorrow?
B: The broken refrigerator has thrown a spanner in the works.
A: Let us see whether we can arrange a replacement.

One more practice question

Which event throws a spanner in the works?

A. A sudden equipment failure that disrupts a planned event.
B. An early delivery that helps the event run as planned.

Check your answer

A. The failure creates an obstacle that disrupts the plan.

Related lessons

Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.

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