throw a spanner in the works

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throw a spanner in the works

To be 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

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Nearby phrases

Some more phrases from our dictionary similar to throw a spanner in the works

throw a wobbly People Who Live in the Glass House Shou…spanner throw a sprat to catch a mackerel throw away throw aside Throw a Curve throw caution to the wind throw a bone to spanner throw a sickie spanner The Lord works in mysterious ways throw back

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Alex
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British
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British
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Australian
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Australian
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Indian
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Indian
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US English
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British
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US English
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"throw a spanner in the works." Phrases.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 17 Dec. 2024. <https://www.phrases.com/phrase/throw-a-spanner-in-the-works_7490>.

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