To destroy something or cause damage, make something worse by breaking or throwing
Etymology:
- This expression is believed to have originated in the 19th century, the time when machines were made on large scale. Most of the machines needed lubrication to run smoothly. Sometimes it happened that while giving oil to machinery, the oil became so thick and sticky that it caused great hindrance in smooth functioning of the machine. Today if anything or anyone who “gums up the work” is considered to have spoiled the plan, activity, or anything considerable.
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Submitted on February 25, 2019
Translation
Find a translation for the Gum Up the Works phrase in other languages:
gummiere die Werke
forbruligu la verkojn
enciende las obras
gommer les travaux
作品をガムアップ
gum usque ad opera
podżegaj prace
заклеивать дела
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"Gum Up the Works." Phrases.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 23 Dec. 2024. <https://www.phrases.com/phrase/gum-up-the-works_44732>.
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