put/throw a spanner in the works

idiom

Definition of put/throw a spanner in the works

informal

: to cause something to not go as planned We were ready to start the project when the bank threw a spanner in the works by denying the loan.

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Dictionary Entries near put/throw a spanner in the works

put the whammy on someone

put the wind up (someone)

put/throw a spanner in the works

put/throw one's weight/influence behind

put/tie/strap on the feedbag

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