throw a wrench in the gears
Synonym of throw a spanner in the works.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“The rain threw a wrench in the gears of our picnic plans.”
“We were ready to launch the project, but the sudden budget cuts threw a wrench in the gears.”
“The unexpected resignation of the lead engineer threw a wrench in the gears of the entire development schedule, forcing the team to delay the product release by several months.”
- 01
all the gear and no idea
Having high-quality, expensive equipment for a risky or difficult activity, without any of the requisite knowledge.
- 02
click into gear
To start to perform effectively or to progress
- 03
find another gear
To suddenly achieve an extra burst of athletic performance, especially after a sustained period of competitive exertion.
- 04
fourth gear
A maximal level of effort.
- 05
gear up
To prepare for an activity.
- 06
get one's ass in gear
To exert effective effort; to get going; to get moving; to start producing.
- 07
go through the gears
To gain momentum; to get up to speed.
- 08
grind one's gears
To annoy or irritate one.
Last updated August 10, 2026