monkey wrench

¹ American  

noun

1. especially British, adjustable spanner.  a wrench having an adjustable jaw permitting it to grasp nuts or the like of different sizes.

2. something that interferes with functioning; obstacle.

   He threw a monkey wrench into our plans.

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monkey-wrench ² American  

[muhng-kee-rench] / ˈmʌŋ kiˌrɛntʃ /

verb (used with object)

1. to ruin (plans, a schedule, etc.) unavoidably or, sometimes, deliberately.

   The storm monkey-wrenched our plans for a picnic.

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verb (used without object)

1. to prevent, delay, or sabotage industrialization or development of wilderness areas, especially through vandalism.

monkey wrench British  

noun

1. a wrench with adjustable jaws

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Other Word Forms

• monkey-wrencher noun

Etymology

Origin of monkey wrench¹

First recorded in 1855–60

Origin of monkey-wrench¹

First recorded in 1800–10

Example Sentences

Paramount’s hostile bid, which was formally announced Monday, has thrown a monkey wrench into a deal for much of Warner Bros.

From Los Angeles Times

“I’ve learned a lot about what I might get,” she said, “but Mother Nature always has her monkey wrench in hand.”

From Los Angeles Times

But now two men on the federal death row in Terre Haute, Indiana have thrown a monkey wrench into Biden’s decision.

From Salon

One potential monkey wrench for the dollar, however, may be lurking in Japan.

From Reuters

And part of their idea was you throw a monkey wrench into this process to stop it.

From Salon