What is the meaning of the phrase throw a monkey wrench into?
US, informal. : to damage or change (something) in a way that ruins it or prevents it from working properly The storm threw a monkey wrench into their plans for a picnic.
Where did the term throw a monkey wrench in the works come from?
A monkey wrench is a type of adjustable wrench or spanner. And to throw a monkey wrench into the machinery is a metaphor for disrupting something, a metaphor of throwing a heavy metal object into machinery. The term originated in Britain, although nowadays it’s primarily found in North American speech and writing.
Can throw a monkey wrench in the works?
throw a (monkey) wrench in(to) the works To disrupt, foil, or cause problems to a plan, activity, or project. We had everything in line for the party, but having the caterer cancel on us at the last minute really threw a wrench in the works!
What does it mean when you say throw a spanner in the works?
Definition of put/throw a spanner in the works informal. : to cause something to not go as planned We were ready to start the project when the bank threw a spanner in the works by denying the loan.
Is monkey wrench an idiom?
Sabotage or frustrate a project or plans, as in The boss threw a monkey wrench into our plans when he said we’d have to work Saturday. This transfer of industrial sabotage-that is, throwing a tool inside machinery-to other subjects dates from the early 1900s. See also: throw a monkey wrench in(to) (something)
What is another word for monkey wrench?
What is another word for monkey wrench?
| adjustable spanner | obstruction wrench |
|---|---|
| pipe wrench | spanner |
| Stillsons | crescent spanner |
| Stillson wrench | shifting spanner |
| wrench |
What is the saying about a monkey wrench?
to do something that prevents a plan or activity from succeeding: The funding for the project was withdrawn, so that really threw a monkey wrench in the works.
What is the difference between a monkey wrench and a crescent wrench?
Crescent wrenches have one fixed jaw and one movable jaw; they differ from monkey wrenches in that the jaws on a crescent wrench are nearly parallel to the handle, whereas the jaws on a monkey wrench are perpendicular to the handle. In both types, the jaws are adjusted using a worm gear that you turn with your thumb.
What does the expression donkeys years mean?
a very long time
chiefly British. : a very long time.