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spanner

A problem, dilemma or obstacle; something unexpected or troublesome.
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Half way through the production of Macbeth, the director found that the stage was smaller than he expected. This really threw a spanner in the works.

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Submitted on September 01, 2009

Additional definitions for 'spanner':

spannerA hand tool for adjusting nuts and bolts.
spannerA hand tool shaped like a small crank handle, for winding the spring of a wheel lock on a musket.
spannerA stupid or unintelligent person; one prone to making mistakes, especially in language.
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Nearby phrases

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throw a spanner in the works

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