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Throw a Wrench In

What Does "Throw a Wrench In" Mean?

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"Throw a wrench in" is an English idiom. It means "to disrupt or hinder a process, plan, or situation."

Examples in Sentences

Here are three examples of the idiom "throw a wrench in" used in a sentence:
  • The unexpected power outage threw a wrench in our presentation.
  • Adding more requirements at this stage could throw a wrench in the project timeline.
  • Trying to negotiate last-minute changes can throw a wrench in the contract approval process.
meaning for throw a wrench in

What Is an Idiom?

An idiom is a commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words. In other words, if you were to translate "Throw a Wrench In" word for word, there is no guarantee the translation would help you to understand the meaning.

An idiom often includes a cultural or historical context that makes it difficult for non-native English speakers to understand. A phrase is classified as an idiom when a direct translation of the words does not reveal the meaning. Most idioms rely on shared knowledge or experiences known only to a specific community.

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