“A spanner in the works?” is an idiomatic expression meaning “a curveball” or “a fly in the ointment”. It’s used to describe something that disrupts or derails an otherwise well-laid plan.
If something is a spanner in the works, it’s a problem or obstacle that gets in the way of plans or arrangements.
What does it mean to put a spanner in the works?
If something throws a spanner in the works, it causes something to not go as planned. In the example sentence, the bank’s denial of the loan prevents the project from happening.
The phrase “a spanner in the works” is derived from an incident involving Mr. Ewen McGregor and his son Jethro. Legend has it that Mr. McGregor was in the process of drilling a hole 700 feet deep when Jethro dropped a spanner down the hole. The spanner disrupted the process and ultimately prevented Mr. McGregor from striking oil. The phrase “a spanner in the works” has since become known world-wide and is used to describe any situation in which something disrupts the progress of a plan or project.
Do Americans say spanner in the works
The phrase “to throw a wrench in the works” means to disrupt or interfere with something, usually in a negative way. The phrase is most commonly used in the United States, but the British version is “to throw a spanner in the works.”
A foolish or ignorant person; someone who is prone to making mistakes, especially in language. You spanner, Rodney!
What do the British call a spanner?
A spanner is a type of wrench that is used to turn nuts and bolts. It is a handheld tool that is used to grip and turn objects. A spanner is also known as a wrench.
A spanner is a British term for a wrench. It is primarily heard in the UK.
Why do the British call wrenches spanners?
Spanner is a tool that is used to winding the spring of a wheel-lock firearm. It came into use in the 1630s and is of German origin.
A spanner in the works can refer to either a literal or figurative obstacle that gets in the way of progress. This problem may be a result of carelessness or sabotage. In American English, an adjustable spanner is called a monkey-wrench. As a result, you might hear American people use the similar idiom – throw a monkey wrench in the works.
Are spanners British or American
A spanner is a type of adjustable wrench. Outside of North America, spanner is just another word for “wrench.” If Americans want to ruin something, they “throw a wrench into it.” British people “throw a spanner in the works.”
There is a lot of debate on whether “spanner” or “wrench” is the correct term to use. Both are technically correct, but “wrench” is more commonly used in North America/USA. If you are ever unsure, just ask someone from that region what they prefer to use.
What is the synonym of spanner?
A wrench is a hand tool that is used for adjusting nuts and bolts. There are many different types of wrenches available, including adjustable wrenches, monkey wrenches, and socket wrenches.
A wench is an archaic term for a lewd or promiscuous woman, typically one who is a female prostitute.
How do you use spanner in a sentence
It is important to have screwdrivers and spanners in munitions factories to keep the machinery running smoothly. However, workers are more likely to cause problems by throwing spanners into the works and raising objections.
The terms “cellar” and “basement” are often used interchangeably in the UK, but there is a distinction between the two. A cellar is typically a smaller space than a basement, and is found in older homes. Basements, on the other hand, are found in both new and old homes, and are generally larger than cellars.
What do Americans call Escalator?
It is interesting to note that both Americans and British use the term escalator for a moving stairway. However, Americans call the box that goes up and down in a building an elevator, while the British call it a lift. Judging on miles covered, the elevator is the safest form of transport in the world.
There are a lot of words and phrases that British people use that can be really confusing for foreigners. For example, instead of saying “I’m going to the bathroom,” they might say “I’m going to the loo.” And instead of calling a garbage can a “trash can,” they might call it a “bin.”
If you’re ever feeling lost when talking to a British person, just remember that they’re probably just as confused by your slang as you are by theirs!
Final Words
A spanner in the works is a problem or obstacle that gets in the way of plans or operations.
A spanner in the works can be a detrimental force if not managed correctly. When a problem or error occurs, it can cause a domino effect that can impact many other aspects of the project. Therefore, it is important to have a plan in place to deal with potential spanner in the works so that they do not have a negative impact on the project as a whole.
