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
Recent Examples on the Web
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
The missile launch that interrupted the social night out was a foretaste of Pyongyang’s ability to throw a monkey wrench into regional relations.
—Michael Auslin, Foreign Affairs, 16 Feb. 2017
This does, of course, throw a monkey wrench into the possibility of sustaining a relationship.
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 21 Feb. 2024
Or look for a third party candidate and throw a monkey wrench into partisan politics.
—George Skelton, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2023
Way to throw a monkey wrench into spring break plans, Megabus.
—Cheryl V. Jackson, The Indianapolis Star, 23 Feb. 2023
Construction crews in the Pacific Northwest know how to get the job done in any weather, but some seasonal surprises can throw a monkey wrench into the works.
—oregonlive, 27 July 2022
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.
Jason Hall, Forbes, 8 Oct. 2024
The missile launch that interrupted the social night out was a foretaste of Pyongyang’s ability to throw a monkey wrench into regional relations.
—Michael Auslin, Foreign Affairs, 16 Feb. 2017
This does, of course, throw a monkey wrench into the possibility of sustaining a relationship.
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 21 Feb. 2024
Or look for a third party candidate and throw a monkey wrench into partisan politics.
—George Skelton, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2023
Way to throw a monkey wrench into spring break plans, Megabus.
—Cheryl V. Jackson, The Indianapolis Star, 23 Feb. 2023
Construction crews in the Pacific Northwest know how to get the job done in any weather, but some seasonal surprises can throw a monkey wrench into the works.
—oregonlive, 27 July 2022
Dictionary Entries Near throw/hurl/toss a monkey wrench into
throw/fling/cast caution to the wind
throw/hurl/toss a monkey wrench into
Cite this Entry
“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 21 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share