SINCE 1828
throw/hurl/toss a monkey wrench into
idiomDefinition of throw/hurl/toss a monkey wrench into
US, informal
: to damage or change (something) in a way that ruins it or prevents it from working properly
The storm threw a monkey wrench into their plans for a picnic.
Comments on throw/hurl/toss a monkey wrench into
What made you want to look up throw/hurl/toss a monkey wrench into? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Original Meanings Quiz
-
- Which of the following is the earliest known sense of the word awe?
Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
-
Original Meanings Quiz
A quiz for the pedantic and those annoyed by them!
Take the quiz -
A Green Quiz
How many questions can you answer about the word "green"?
Take the quiz -
Name That Thing
Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!
Take the quiz -
Word Winder's CrossWinder
Play the game
Share throw/hurl/toss a monkey wrench into
Resources for throw/hurl/toss a monkey wrench into