What does “Throw a monkey wrench into the works” mean?
"Throw a monkey wrench into the works" means to cause problems or disruptions in a plan or situation.
What context can I use the in?
Example
His unexpected absence really threw a monkey wrench into the works of our project.
Example
The heavy rainstorm threw a monkey wrench into the works of our outdoor event.
Example
The sudden change in regulations threw a monkey wrench into the works of our business strategy
Is “Throw a monkey wrench into the works” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Throw a monkey wrench into the works” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Throw a monkey wrench into the works” effectively in context?
You can use "Throw a monkey wrench into the works" to describe a situation where something unexpected or disruptive causes problems or disruptions in a plan or situation. For example, if a last-minute change in schedule ruins a carefully planned event, you might say, 'The sudden change in plans really threw a monkey wrench into the works.'
- 1Project Management
His unexpected absence really threw a monkey wrench into the works of our project.
- 2Event Planning
The heavy rainstorm threw a monkey wrench into the works of our outdoor event.
- 3Business Strategy
The sudden change in regulations threw a monkey wrench into the works of our business strategy.
Similar phrases to “Throw a monkey wrench into the works”:
Mess things up
To cause problems or disruptions in a plan or situation
Example
His careless mistake really messed things up for the team.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Throw a monkey wrench into the works” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Throw a monkey wrench into the works" is unknown.
Is “Throw a monkey wrench into the works” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Throw a monkey wrench into the works" is a common expression in everyday conversation. It is often used to describe unexpected disruptions or problems that affect plans or situations.
What tone does “Throw a monkey wrench into the works” have?
"Throw a monkey wrench into the works" conveys a tone of frustration or annoyance. It is used to express the negative impact of an unexpected event or disruption on a planned activity or situation.
Can “Throw a monkey wrench into the works” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "throw a monkey wrench into the works" is more commonly used in informal settings. It is often used in casual conversations with friends, family, or colleagues. However, it can also be used in more formal situations to describe unexpected disruptions in a professional context.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'His unexpected absence really threw a monkey wrench into the works of our project.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Well, that really "threw a monkey wrench into the works"!' to express frustration or annoyance.
