monkey wrench

noun

|Updated on: 30 May 2018

Definition of monkey wrench

1 : a wrench with one fixed and one adjustable jaw at right angles to a straight handle

2 : something that disrupts

threw a monkey wrench into the peace negotiations

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Recent Examples of monkey wrench from the Web

Prepare for your birth plan to get a monkey wrench thrown in it.

— jessica delfino, SELF, "9 Incredible C-Section Stories—and the Scars That Go With Them," 23 May 2018
USA Track & Field throws a monkey wrench into Mt. SAC's plans to host the 2020 U.S. Olympic Trials.

— ken goe, OregonLive.com, "Ducks to keep next week's Pac-12s in mind at Oregon Twilight: Oregon track & field rundown," 3 May 2018
But Cleveland threw a monkey wrench into those plans by selecting cornerback Denzel Ward out of Ohio State, leaving N.C. State edge defender Bradley Chubb on the board at No.

— robert klemko, SI.com, "Draft Notes: For Lamar Jackson and the Ravens, the Wait Was Worth It," 27 Apr. 2018
The trunk’s loaded with tools — nails, dynamite, sand, wire cutters, a .30-30 Model 94 and a fine set of monkey wrenches.

— aaron gilbreath, Longreads, "The Red Caddy," 24 Apr. 2018
The hot trolling bite was tossed a monkey wrench on Thursday, though, as northeast winds provoked small craft warnings on the big waters.

— cleveland.com, "Fishing Report for March 9: Rivers finally in shape, trout cooperating," 9 Mar. 2018
Similarly, the monkey wrench is more sophisticated than the description of a rum-and-coconut slushy would suggest.

— esther mobley, San Francisco Chronicle, "White Cap brings great cocktails and surfer vibe to the Outer Sunset," 9 Jan. 2018
The hot trolling bite was tossed a monkey wrench on Thursday, though, as northeast winds provoked small craft warnings on the big waters.

— cleveland.com, "Fishing Report for March 9: Rivers finally in shape, trout cooperating," 9 Mar. 2018
The hot trolling bite was tossed a monkey wrench on Thursday, though, as northeast winds provoked small craft warnings on the big waters.

— cleveland.com, "Fishing Report for March 9: Rivers finally in shape, trout cooperating," 9 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'monkey wrench.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.