# throw a wrench in the gears

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/throw-a-wrench-in-the-gears
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Synonym of throw a spanner in the works.

## Examples

- 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.

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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.