Throw a wrench into something Informal

English idiom: Throw a wrench into something

Last updated: 20.10.2026

Action & DecisionWork & Business

Equivalent idioms in other languages

  • 🇷🇺 Вставлять палки в колёса Разговорное

    Мешать осуществлению чужих планов, намеренно создавать препятствия. Русский оборот чаще подразумевает сознательное противодействие, тогда как английский допускает и случайную помеху.

  • 🇪🇸 Poner trabas Informal

    Dificultar la realización de algo mediante obstáculos o impedimentos. «Poner trabas» suele implicar una acción deliberada, a diferencia de ciertos usos accidentales del inglés.

  • 🇫🇷 Mettre des bâtons dans les roues Familier

    Faire obstacle à un projet ou empêcher quelqu’un d’avancer en multipliant les difficultés. La locution suggère souvent une intervention volontaire.

Meaning

To disrupt a plan or process by introducing an unexpected obstacle or complication. The action may be deliberate or accidental, depending on context.

Origin

A wrench is a metal tool; introducing it into working machinery evokes a jammed or damaged mechanism. The American idiom parallels British «throw a spanner in the works» and is figurative rather than a literal instruction.

Examples

The sudden resignation threw a wrench into our launch plans.

A change in the regulations could throw a wrench into the deal.

The server outage threw a wrench into the team’s schedule.

Frequently asked questions

What does 'Throw a wrench into something' mean?

To disrupt a plan or process by introducing an unexpected obstacle or complication. The action may be deliberate or accidental, depending on context.

How do you say 'Throw a wrench into something' in Russian?
Вставлять палки в колёса

How do you say 'Throw a wrench into something' in Spanish?
Poner trabas

How do you say 'Throw a wrench into something' in French?
Mettre des bâtons dans les roues

Related idioms