throw/hurl/toss a monkey wrench into

idiom

US, informal
: to damage or change (something) in a way that ruins it or prevents it from working properly
The storm threw a monkey wrench into their plans for a picnic.

Examples of throw/hurl/toss a monkey wrench into in a Sentence

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Councilwoman Nancy Henjum has been outspoken on the aggressive tactics her council colleagues have taken to throw a monkey wrench into a situation the voters approved. — John Aguilar, The Denver Post, 19 Jan. 2025 Things like unpredictable algorithm changes, a shift in how users behave or unforeseen competition can throw a monkey wrench into your analytics. — Jason Hall, Forbes, 8 Oct. 2024

Browse Nearby Words

throw/fling/cast caution to the wind
throw/hurl/toss a monkey wrench into
throw-in
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“Throw/hurl/toss a monkey wrench into.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/throw%2Fhurl%2Ftoss%20a%20monkey%20wrench%20into. Accessed 30 Mar. 2025.

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