Spanner in the works

Meaning

"Spanner in the works" is an idiom that means a sudden and unexpected event or occurrence that disrupts or hinders a planned or ongoing activity. The figurative meaning of this idiom is that it can cause chaos, confusion, or frustration in the workplace or in personal relationships.

Usage

• "I had everything ready for my presentation tomorrow, but then a spanner in the works caused me to reschedule."
• "We were about to celebrate our anniversary dinner when a spanner in the works ruined our plans."
• "The project was on track until a spanner in the works delayed our deadline by two weeks."
• "I was looking forward to going on vacation, but then a spanner in the works caused my flight to be canceled."
• "The team had been working together seamlessly until a spanner in the works caused a rift among them." The usage of this idiom can vary depending on the context. It can be used to describe a situation that is out of one's control, or it can be used to blame someone else for a disruption or delay. It can also be used to express frustration or disappointment.

Roots and History

The origin of this idiom is not entirely clear, but it is believed to have originated in the 19th century. One theory suggests that it comes from the manufacturing industry, where a spanner was used to tighten bolts and nuts. If a spanner was dropped or misplaced, it could cause a significant delay in production. Another theory suggests that the idiom comes from the transportation industry, where a spanner was used to tighten luggage and other baggage. If a spanner was lost or broken, it could cause delays in travel. Over time, the meaning of this idiom has remained relatively consistent, but its usage has become more common in contemporary language. It is now used to describe any unexpected event or occurrence that disrupts or hinders plans or activities.

Synonyms in English

• Wrench in the works
• Monkey wrench
• Snag in the plan
• Hiccup in the schedule
• Hitch in the system

Synonyms in other languages

• La tanda en la cabeza (Spanish) - A sudden and unexpected event that disrupts plans or activities
• Unexpected turn of events (French) - An unforeseen event that disrupts plans or activities
• Unscheduled interruption (German) - A sudden and unexpected event that interrupts plans or activities
• Uppföljdsknack (Swedish) - An unexpected event that disrupts plans or activities
• Unexpected interruption (Japanese) - A sudden and unexpected event that interrupts plans or activities

Similar Idioms

• salad days

• sit tight

• a smooth sea never made a skilled sailor