The sudden rain put a spanner in the works for our picnic.
spanner in the works
idiomSomething that disrupts smooth operation or functioning.
We had everything planned for the wedding, but the caterer canceling at the last minute really threw a spanner in the works.
The sudden resignation of the lead engineer threw a significant spanner in the works, forcing the entire project team to delay the launch by several months.
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crescent spanner
An open-end adjustable spanner with a worm-drive thumbwheel. When the term adjustable spanner or adjustable wrench is used, this type (branded with any of many brands) is usually the type meant.
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if it works, it works
if an action achieves its desired result, one should leave it at that; the outcome of an action is more important than the action itself
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throw a monkey wrench in the works
Synonym of throw a spanner in the works.
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throw a monkey wrench into the works
Synonym of throw a spanner into the works.
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throw a spanner in the works
To introduce a problem, dilemma or obstacle, something unexpected or troublesome.
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throw a wrench in the works
Synonym of throw a spanner in the works.