Put a spanner in the works

Definitions

disrupt or hinder a plan or process
Refer to something that causes a problem or obstacle, making it difficult to continue with a plan or task

Examples of Put a spanner in the works

The hacker's sudden attack put a spanner in the works of the company's anticipated merger, as it caused a system breakdown that disrupted communication between the two parties and led to the collapse of the deal.

This idiom is used to describe an unexpected event that causes an unexpected and significant delay or disruption in a planned or ongoing process or project. The "spanner" in this case is the hacker's attack, which acted as an obstacle or hindrance that prevented the merger from proceeding smoothly or according to plan. The phrase "put a spanner in the works" is a metaphor that originates from the image of a wrench or spanner being thrown into a machinery system, causing it to malfunction or fail.
In the middle of the game, the referee's incorrect call put a spanner in the works, as it led to a series of misunderstandings and disagreements among the players and coaching staff that affected their focus and performance.

This example demonstrates how the idiom can be used to describe a sudden event that disrupts the flow or normal course of events. In this case, the "spanner" is the referee's mistake, which caused confusion and disagreement among the players, leading to a loss of focus and performance. The phrase "put a spanner in the works" is a metaphorical expression that implies a significant obstacle or hindrance that disrupts the progress or outcome of a process or project.
The scientist's groundbreaking discovery put a spanner in the works of the existing scientific theories, as it challenged the established notions and sparked a new wave of research and debate in the field.

This example illustrates how the idiom can be used to describe a major event that disrupts the existing theories or concepts in a given field or discipline. In this case, the "spanner" is the scientist's discovery, which challenged the accepted theories and concepts, leading to a new wave of research and debate in the field. The phrase "put a spanner in the works" is a metaphorical expression that implies a significant obstacle or hindrance that disrupts the progress or outcome of a process or project.
The sudden change in the weather put a spanner in the works of our outdoor plans, as it forced us to cancel the picnic and look for alternative indoor activities.

This example demonstrates how the idiom can be used to describe an unexpected event that disrupts the planning or execution of a particular activity or event. In this case, the "spanner" is the sudden change in the weather, which prevented us from carrying out our planned outdoor activities, forcing us to look for alternative indoor options instead. The phrase "put a spanner in the works" is a metaphorical expression that implies a significant obstacle or hindrance that disrupts the progress or outcome of a process or project.
John's unexpected decision to quit the project has put a spanner in the works of the team's plans.

This idiom is used when an unexpected event or decision causes interference or disruption in a well-planned and organized process. In this example, John's decision to quit the project has disrupted the team's plans as it was not anticipated, which is referred to as 'putting a spanner in the works.'
The company's announcement to lay off a large number of employees without any prior notice has put a spanner in the works of the employee's union negotiation process.

This example demonstrates how an unforeseen event can cause a disruption or interference in a process that was in progress. In this case, the sudden announcement of employee layoffs disrupts the negotiation process between the employees' union and the company.
The accident on the construction site has put a spanner in the works of the project, causing a significant delay in its completion.

This example shows how an unforeseen event or circumstance can cause a delay or disruption in a process that was being carried out smoothly beforehand. In this case, the accident on the construction site has caused a significant delay in the project's completion, which is referred to as 'putting a spanner in the works.'
The sudden change in the government's policy has put a spanner in the works of the organization's long-term planning.

This example shows how a sudden change in a situation can cause disruption or interference in an ongoing process. In this case, the sudden change in the government's policy interrupts the organization's long-term planning process, which is referred to as 'putting a spanner in the works.'

Conclusion

The idiom "put a spanner in the works" is used to describe anything that disrupts or hinders a plan or process. It is often used to refer to unexpected obstacles or problems that arise, making it difficult to continue with a task or plan. The intention behind using this idiom is to convey the idea of something causing a disruption or hindrance.

This idiom can be used in various contexts, such as in a work setting when a new policy creates complications, or in personal life when unexpected events interfere with plans. It is a colorful and expressive way to describe a setback or obstacle that was not anticipated.

Origin of "Put a spanner in the works"

The origin of the idiom "put a spanner in the works" can be traced back to the use of the word "spanner" to refer to a tool used for tightening or loosening nuts and bolts. The idiom likely originated in the industrial revolution era when machinery and factories were becoming more common. If a spanner were to be thrown into the works of a machine, it would cause a disruption or hinder its operation.

Over time, the idiom evolved to be used metaphorically to describe any action or event that disrupts or hinders a plan or process. It has become a widely recognized and colorful expression in the English language, conveying the idea of unexpected obstacles or disruptions. Examples of its use can be found in literature, speeches, and everyday conversation.