The rain threw a wrench in the gears of our picnic plans.
throw a wrench in the gears
idiomSynonym of throw a spanner in the works.
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
go through the gears
To gain momentum; to get up to speed.
- 02
grind one's gears
To annoy or irritate one.
- 03
lock someone up and throw away the key
To lock someone up in prison indefinitely.
- 04
monkey wrench
To introduce problems, to create unexpected trouble, to sabotage.
- 05
move through the gears
To gradually increase speed or output.
- 06
shift gears
To change pace or mode of operation.
- 07
stone's throw
A short distance, roughly equivalent to how far a person can throw a stone.
- 08
throw a bone to
To provide support or assistance to, especially in one particular way or to a limited extent; to make a concession to.