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Meaning of throw a spanner in the works | Babel Free

Verb CEFR C2

Definitions

To introduce a problem, dilemma or obstacle, something unexpected or troublesome.

UK, idiomatic

Equivalents

Suomi heittää kapuloita rattaisiin
Français mettre des bâtons dans les roues
Tiếng Việt thọc gậy bánh xe

Examples

“Halfway through the production of Macbeth, the director found that the stage was smaller than he had expected. This really threw a spanner in the works.”

CEFR level

C2
Mastery
This word is part of the CEFR C2 vocabulary — mastery level.

See also

throw a sprat to catch a mackerel throw a tantrum throw a wet blanket on throw a wobbly throw a wrench in throw a wrench in the gears

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