throw/hurl/toss a monkey wrench into

idiom

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.

Examples of throw/hurl/toss a monkey wrench into in a Sentence

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However, two factors can throw a monkey wrench into the mix. Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 7 Aug. 2025 In addition, tweaking input data for the large language model (LLM) that powers such an AI can throw a monkey wrench into its responses. PC Magazine, 25 Apr. 2025 Councilwoman Nancy Henjum has been outspoken on the aggressive tactics her council colleagues have taken to throw a monkey wrench into a situation the voters approved. John Aguilar, The Denver Post, 19 Jan. 2025 Things like unpredictable algorithm changes, a shift in how users behave or unforeseen competition can throw a monkey wrench into your analytics. Jason Hall, Forbes, 8 Oct. 2024 This does, of course, throw a monkey wrench into the possibility of sustaining a relationship. Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 21 Feb. 2024 Or look for a third party candidate and throw a monkey wrench into partisan politics. George Skelton, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2023 Way to throw a monkey wrench into spring break plans, Megabus. Cheryl V. Jackson, The Indianapolis Star, 23 Feb. 2023 The missile launch that interrupted the social night out was a foretaste of Pyongyang’s ability to throw a monkey wrench into regional relations. Michael Auslin, Foreign Affairs, 16 Feb. 2017

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“Throw/hurl/toss a monkey wrench into.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/throw%2Fhurl%2Ftoss%20a%20monkey%20wrench%20into. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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