gum up the works
phrase
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.
Cite this Entry
“Gum up the works.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gum%20up%20the%20works. Accessed 15 Mar. 2026.
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