gum up the works

idiom

Definition of gum up the works

informal

: to prevent something from working or flowing properly Some dirt got inside the gears and gummed up the works. The new regulations have really gummed up the works in the office.

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gum up (something)

gum up the works

gumweed

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Cite this Entry

“Gum up the works.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gum%20up%20the%20works. Accessed 20 Sep. 2021.

Style: MLA

MLA