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Dictionary

Words, grammatical forms and meanings linked to the ontology.

spanner in the works en · NOUN

Meanings

  1. (UK, idiomatic) Something that disrupts smooth operation or functioning.
    • The kids' involvement was unfortunately more of a spanner in the works than a helpful contribution toward Daddy's progress on the task, but he gamely pretended to be thankful anyway.

Forms

SpellingFeaturesLabelsSource
spanners in the works Number=Plur lexicographic

Relateds

throw a spanner in the works · put a spanner in the works

Synonyms

wrench in the works · monkey wrench in the works