# spanner in the works

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/spanner-in-the-works
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Something that disrupts smooth operation or functioning.

## Examples

- The sudden rain put a spanner in the works for our picnic.
- 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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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.