What does “To put a spoke in somebody’s wheel.” mean?
"To put a spoke in somebody’s wheel" means to intentionally cause difficulties for someone, or to interfere with their plans or actions, as derived from the idea of inserting a spoke into the wheel of a cart or wagon, which would result in the vehicle stopping or slowing down.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He always tries to put a spoke in somebody's wheel. Whenever someone comes up with a good idea, he finds a way to sabotage it.
Example
She was determined to succeed, but there were people who wanted to put a spoke in her wheel. They tried to undermine her at every turn.
Example
They were jealous of his success and wanted to put a spoke in his wheel. They spread rumors and tried to damage his reputation
Is “To put a spoke in somebody’s wheel.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“To put a spoke in somebody’s wheel.” 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 “To put a spoke in somebody’s wheel.” effectively in context?
You can use "To put a spoke in somebody's wheel" to describe someone intentionally disrupting or hindering another person's plans or progress. It emphasizes the idea of causing obstacles or setbacks. For example, if someone spreads false rumors about you to damage your reputation and hinder your progress, you can say, 'He tried to put a spoke in my wheel by spreading false rumors about me.'
- 1Work
She always finds a way to put a spoke in his wheel and sabotage his projects.
- 2Personal Goals
I won't let anyone put a spoke in my wheel. I will continue working towards my goals despite any obstacles.
- 3Competition
In a fierce competition, some competitors may try to put a spoke in each other's wheels to gain an advantage.
Similar phrases to “To put a spoke in somebody’s wheel.”:
To deliberately undermine or obstruct someone's efforts
Example
She tried to sabotage his chances of getting the promotion by spreading false rumors.
Undermine
To weaken or subvert someone's position or authority
Example
His constant criticism undermined her confidence in her abilities.
To cause something to fail or go off track
Example
The unexpected financial crisis derailed their plans to expand the business.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “To put a spoke in somebody’s wheel.” come from?
The origin of the phrase "To put a spoke in somebody's wheel" is unknown.
Is “To put a spoke in somebody’s wheel.” common in everyday conversation?
The phrase "To put a spoke in somebody's wheel" is not as common as some other proverbs, but it is still used in everyday conversation. It is often used in situations where someone intentionally tries to hinder or disrupt another person's plans or progress.
What tone does “To put a spoke in somebody’s wheel.” have?
"To put a spoke in somebody's wheel" conveys a tone of frustration or annoyance. It is used to describe actions that are meant to cause obstacles or setbacks for someone else.
Can “To put a spoke in somebody’s wheel.” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "To put a spoke in somebody's wheel" is more commonly used in informal conversations rather than formal settings. It is a figurative expression that describes intentional disruption or hindrance. You can use it in casual conversations with friends, family, and colleagues.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
The phrase "To put a spoke in somebody's wheel" is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'She always finds a way to put a spoke in his wheel and sabotage his projects.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Don't try to put a spoke in my wheel!' to express determination.
