monkey wrench
noun, verb
Forms monkey wrenches monkey wrenching monkey wrenched monkeywrench monkey-wrench
- noun A wrench (spanner) with an adjustable jaw.
- noun (figurative) An unexpected or troublesome problem, obstacle or dilemma.
- verb To apply a monkey wrench, e.g. to tighten or loosen nuts.
- verb (idiomatic) To introduce problems, to create unexpected trouble, to sabotage.
Synonyms
gas grips adjustable spanner pipe wrench bobbejaan spanner monkey-wrench
Etymology
Already in use, and not unfamiliar among mechanics, by 1832; see discussion and references at Monkey wrench § Etymology and history.
Sources: Wiktionary · WordNet 3.0 — from the Wiktionary entry “monkey wrench”, CC BY-SA 4.0. Details