put a (monkey) wrench in(to) the works



put a (monkey) wrench in(to) the works

To disrupt, foil, or cause problems to a plan, activity, or project. Primarily heard in US. We had everything in line for the party, but having the caterer cancel on us at the last minute really threw a wrench in the works! It'll really put a monkey wrench into the works if the board decides not to increase our funding for this project.
See also: put, work, wrench

Common Names:

NameGenderPronouncedUsage
Tacitus-Ancient Roman
MecİT-Turkish
Gonzalez[gɔn'za:lez]
Luitgard-German, Ancient Germanic
TivadarTEEV-aw-dawrHungarian
Comgal-Irish